tailieunhanh - SUBSTITUTION OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES

Moreover, the concept of market segmentation is now becoming relevant in countries that have suffered from a lot of problems and shortages in the past, but are now ex- periencing an economic development equal to that of the western countries after World War II. In particular, due to the economic liberalization processes and the on- going opening of the Chinese economy for foreign trade and investment, which hav e been carried out since 19809 , this applies to the Peoples Republic of China. | Report compiled for the Directorate General Environment Nuclear Safety and Civil Protection of the Commission of the European Communities Contract No B3-4305 2000 293861 MAR E1 SUBSTITUTION OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS IN PRODUCTS AND PROCESSES FINAL REPORT Hamburg March 2003 Revision 1 Joachim Lohse Martin Wirts Andreas Ahrens Kerstin Heitmann Sven Lundie Lothar LiBner Annette Wagner Contact details for further inquiries Joachim Lohse 49 - 40 - 391002 - 11 49 - 40 - 399006 - 33 Phone Fax Email Lohse@ Okopol GmbH Nernstweg 32-34 22765 Hamburg Germany Lothar LiBner Phone 49 - 40 - 2858-640 Fax 49 - 40 - 2858-641 Email lissner koop@ Kooperationsstelle Hamburg Besenbinderhof 60 20097 Hamburg Germany EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Executive Summary Substitution of hazardous substances by less hazardous alternatives appears to be a straightforward approach when enterprises consider management and reduction of chemical-related risks. Substitution is also debated in the context of the future chemicals policy in the EU. At the same time various stakeholders perceptions differ widely about the definition of substitution and concerning the question whether substitution should be a fundamental principle a duty to both producers and users of chemicals a preferred risk reduction strategy or whether it is just another tool for managing risk . Against this background the study aims to identify describe and analyse relevant activities towards substitution of hazardous chemicals. These activities include political and administrative strategies and concepts guidance and assessment tools as well as practical substitution cases . Numerous policy programmes and legal texts are presented in the report covering both 1 legislation that is introducing a generic substitution approach while leaving the implementation to the market players and 2 specific legislation or technical rules with detailed requirements on how substitution should be implemented in practice. The results of