Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD)

EU-Focused Perspective Calls for P-NAMs to Modernise Chemical Persistence Assessment

Regulators and scientists are advocating for Persistence New Approach Methodologies (P-NAMs) to address critical data gaps in chemical persistence assessments under REACH and CLP. This shift signals a transition toward high-throughput and in silico testing, likely redefining PBT/PMT determinations and data requirements for Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) innovation.

9 Apr 2026, 07:30pubs.acs.orgEuropean Union

European Commission Outlines Targeted REACH Revision Plans in Reply to Dutch Parliament

The European Commission has confirmed plans for a targeted REACH revision to simplify procedures and transition from individual authorizations toward broader substance restrictions. This shift indicates a more aggressive regulatory pace, requiring businesses to prepare for stricter enforcement mechanisms and expanded data requirements for endocrine disruptors.

26 Mar 2026, 11:43zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlEuropean Union

BAuA Publishes Article on Industrial Operationalisation of EU Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design Framework

BAuA has published a strategic analysis on embedding the EU’s Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework into industrial innovation and portfolio management. Although voluntary, SSbD is becoming a de facto standard for future market access as it is hard-wired into the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and EU funding.

19 Mar 2026, 19:35baua.deGermanyEuropean Union

EUON Highlights NanoPharos FAIR Nanomaterials Database to Support Evidence-Based Regulation

The EU has launched NanoPharos, a standardized database providing "ready-for-modelling" data on nanomaterials and advanced materials to support regulatory and industry analysis. This infrastructure accelerates the transition toward Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) frameworks, signaling a move toward more data-intensive and transparent risk assessment requirements.

13 Mar 2026, 07:03euon.echa.europa.euEuropean Union

PARC Publishes Milestone Report on Safe and Sustainable by Design in Chemical Innovation

PARC has released a milestone report detailing how chemical companies currently integrate Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) assessments into innovation workflows (February 2026). This analysis signals evolving regulatory expectations for embedding safety and circularity early in R&D to mitigate future compliance and market access risks.

12 Mar 2026, 11:19eu-parc.euEuropean Union

EU Commission Adopts Revised Safe And Sustainable By Design Assessment Framework For Chemicals And Materials

The European Commission has adopted a revised Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, expanding voluntary assessment criteria to include social and economic dimensions. This update signals a shift toward holistic lifecycle assessments that will increasingly shape R&I priorities, substitution strategies, and future regulatory alignment under REACH and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation.

10 Mar 2026, 06:43research-and-innovation.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Netherlands Launches National Safe and Sustainable by Design Hub for Chemical Innovation

The Netherlands has launched a national Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) hub to centralize knowledge and support innovation across the chemical value chain. This initiative signals a shift toward proactive safety-by-design as a competitive standard, encouraging companies to integrate sustainability metrics early in R&D to align with future EU regulatory expectations.

8 Mar 2026, 14:27vnci.nlNetherlands

EU Commission Mandates SCHEER To Update Risk Assessment of Chemical Mixtures by October 2026

The European Commission has mandated a scientific update to the EU’s chemical mixture risk assessment framework, with a final opinion due by October 2026. This review will likely accelerate the introduction of Mixture Assessment Factors (MAF) and cumulative risk requirements across REACH and environmental legislation, increasing long-term pressure on complex product formulations.

27 Feb 2026, 15:00health.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

Germany (Fraunhofer IWM) Develops PFAS-Free Substitution Chain for Lubricants and Seals

German researchers have validated a structured substitution framework for replacing PFAS in high-friction mechanical components ahead of anticipated EU-wide restrictions. This provides a technical roadmap for machinery OEMs to mitigate supply chain risks and ensure functional performance as PFAS-based lubricants and seals face regulatory phase-outs.

24 Feb 2026, 19:17analytik.newsEuropean UnionGermany

EU SSbD Framework: Review of Predictive Models for Holistic Impact Assessment of Chemicals and Materials

A January 2026 review outlines how integrated predictive modeling and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) will operationalize the EU’s Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework. This development signals a shift toward computational, life-cycle-based safety assessments, requiring R&D teams to integrate multi-scale data to ensure future market access for chemicals and advanced materials.

23 Feb 2026, 11:42pubs.acs.orgEuropean Union

South Korea MOTIE Announces 2026 Future Game‑Changing Technology Project Call Including PFAS‑Free Transition Theme

South Korea has launched a major R&D call for proposals targeting a "PFAS-free transition" in the semiconductor and battery sectors, with applications due by March 13, 2026. This initiative underscores a strategic pivot toward holistic material substitution to mitigate regulatory risks and maintain global market access for high-tech manufacturing.

12 Feb 2026, 10:49motir.go.krSouth Korea

OECD Publishes Chemical Safety and Biosafety Progress Report No. 48 (February 2026)

The OECD released its February 2026 progress report, detailing the global roadmap for harmonized chemical safety, new approach methodologies (NAMs), and sustainable chemistry. This alignment will drive future national regulations on nanomaterials and "safe and sustainable by design" (SSbD) criteria, requiring proactive adjustment of product safety and R&D strategies.

6 Feb 2026, 09:56oecd.orgGlobal

Netherlands RIVM Publishes Knowledge Note on Safety, Sustainability and Innovation of Advanced Materials

The Dutch RIVM has issued a strategic knowledge note advocating for the integration of safety and sustainability into the early-stage innovation of advanced materials across sectors like batteries and medical devices. Businesses should anticipate stricter 'Safe and Sustainable by Design' (SSbD) requirements as policymakers look to address the regulatory uncertainties and health risks associated with novel material properties.

14 Jan 2026, 20:28rivm.nlNetherlandsEuropean Union

EU JRC Publishes Revised Safe and Sustainable by Design Framework for Chemicals and Materials

The EU Joint Research Centre has published a revised Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, formalizing the methodology for assessing chemical and material innovation. This update establishes a standardized approach for integrating safety, environmental, and socio-economic criteria into R&D, signaling future expectations for market access and product stewardship.

22 Dec 2025, 16:10publications.jrc.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

EU JRC Validates SSbD Framework for Nanomaterial-Embedded LDPE Food Packaging

The EU Joint Research Centre has validated the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework through a case study on nanomaterial-enhanced LDPE food packaging. This provides a standardized methodology for manufacturers to integrate safety and sustainability assessments early in product development, signaling future regulatory expectations for advanced materials and food contact applications.

18 Dec 2025, 16:33publications.jrc.ec.europa.euEuropean Union

OECD Publishes Report on Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) Tools for Nanomaterials

OECD has published a report detailing tools and platforms for implementing Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) frameworks for nanomaterials. This guidance establishes a roadmap for integrating safety and sustainability metrics into early-stage R&D, essential for mitigating future regulatory risks for nano-enabled products.

17 Dec 2025, 14:07oecd.orgGlobal

RIVM Publishes Draft Conceptual Framework for Safe and Sustainable Battery Innovation

The Dutch RIVM has released a draft conceptual framework for "Safe and Sustainable by Design" (SSbD) battery innovation, aligning with the EU Batteries Regulation. This framework signals a shift toward integrated safety, circularity, and cybersecurity standards that will likely influence future technical requirements and compliance benchmarks for the battery supply chain.

11 Dec 2025, 10:41rivm.nlNetherlandsEuropean Union

Commission Presents Horizon Europe Topics on Biocide Alternatives

The European Commission has announced a €12 million Horizon Europe funding call to accelerate the development of safer alternatives for hazardous biocides in mosquito control and wood preservation. This move reinforces the EU's commitment to chemical substitution and the 'Safe and Sustainable by Design' framework, signaling future regulatory pressure on traditional biocidal active substances.

28 Nov 2025, 07:49circabc.europa.euEuropean Union

ChemScore 2025 Highlights PFAS Phase-Out and Industry Gaps

ChemSec’s 2025 ChemScore highlights a major shift in PFAS production commitments among global chemical leaders while exposing persistent transparency gaps across the sector. Companies should anticipate increased investor pressure and stricter due diligence requirements regarding hazardous chemical portfolios and the transition to safer alternatives.

27 Nov 2025, 09:29chemsec.orgGlobal

UBA Releases Chemselect Sustainability Assessment Concept

The German Environment Agency (UBA) has launched the ChemSelect framework, providing a standardized methodology for evaluating the sustainability of chemical substances and mixtures. This tool formalizes Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) metrics, signaling a shift toward lifecycle-based chemical selection and transparent substitution strategies.

25 Nov 2025, 17:37umweltbundesamt.deGermany