Alternatives for certain substances and group of substances
The SUBSPORT Methodology for Alternatives Assessment was tested on exemplary substances. This subpage directs towards the comprehensive SUBSPORTplus Case Studies. If you have not found what you are looking for on SUBSPORTplus, you can find more information about alternatives in the portals and links mentioned at the end of this subpage.
SUBSPORTplus Case Studies
The original SUBSPORT project developed a method to evaluate alternatives for certain substances and groups of substances. Based on the "SUBSPORT methodology for the evaluation of alternatives of selected substances", more detailed case studies have been prepared in 2013-2015. Some examples of these case studies are given below and can be used as inspiration for your own search for alternatives and as a reference point for an evaluation.
Following case studies for certain substances and substance groups have been prepared
| Substance | Use/Products | Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bisphenol A | Bottles and containers for food and beverages, beverage and food packaging, thermal paper | SUBSPORT Specific Substances Alternatives Assessment – Bisphenol A (PDF, 743 KB) | 2013 | SUBSPORT |
| Nonylphenol and Nonylphenolethoxylate | Detergents and cleaning agents, paints, adhesives, textiles, leather goods | SUBSPORT Specific Substances Alternatives Assessment – Nonylphenols and Nonylphenol ethoxylates | 2013 | SUBSPORT |
| Parabene (Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben) | Preservative in cosmetics, food and beverages, cleaning agents, pharmaceuticals | SUBSPORT Specific Substances Alternatives Assessment – Parabens | 2013 | SUBSPORT |
The case studies and the SUBSPORT Specific Substances Alternatives Assessments Methodology are only available in English. There are other, old case studies (from 2013) on the following substances: formaldehyde, chloroalkanes, hexabromocyclodecane, lead, perchloroethylene and chromium(VI). These case studies can be found in the case story database.
Studies and Reports on Alternatives from Other Sources
Other institutions and authorities have carried out surveys and studies on the availability and implementation of alternatives for selected hazardous substances in specific uses. Below is a list of some examples of reports that describe current alternatives.
List of further case studies
More information on Alternatives
In the search for alternatives, you can follow research and development work, conduct it yourself and exchange information on substitution approaches and progress in the appropriate networks. Innovations for new products, materials and processes are equally important. Consider branch solutions to avoid or reduce hazardous substances.
Different authorities, institutions and organisations provide support in the search for alternatives. Some helpful links are listed below.
- ECHA
On the website of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), public information on alternatives, which have been investigated under REACH in the authorisation and restriction process, is available for specific substances. Information on alternatives for biocides may be provided in the context of public consultations on biocidal products regulation (BPR).
In addition, ECHA is compiling practical examples under the substitution section.
Chemicals in general
Alternatives from the REACH-authorisation process
REACH-restriction process
Biocides
Real life substitution cases - BAuA (Federal Institute of Occupational Safety and Health) (only German)
BAuA offers a series of substitute TRGS (Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances) in the 600 series for various substances and processes (e.g. TRGS 617 - Substitutes for surface treatment agents with a high solvent content for parquet and other wood floors).
Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances
Summaries of the TRGS 600 - 619, which are dealing with restrictions on use, substitutes and substitution of processes or technology - UBA: Biozid Portal (only German)
The German Environmental Agency (Umweltbundesamt, UBA) evaluates environmental hazards from chemicals. Information about alternative measure for biocides are compiled on the homepage.
UBA Biozid-Portal - The Swedish Centre for Chemical Substitution
The Swedish Centre for Chemical Substitution offers various information on substitution (tools, support on procedure) and trainings. In addition, it inspires to follow good examples of substitution.
The Swedish Centre for Chemical Substitution - Marketplace by ChemSec
ChemSec is an organisation committed to the use of safe alternatives. It offers various types of support for substitution, including Marketplace: an exchange platform to identify better alternatives and to contact suppliers and manufacturers of these alternatives.
chemsec Marketplace - INERIS
The French National Institute for Industrial Environment and Risks (INERIS) offers information from companies on alternatives for the three groups of substances: bisphenols, phthalates and alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs).
Chemicals substitution - Interstate Chemical Clearinghouse (IC2)
Interstate Chemical Clearinghouse (IC2) is a North American governmental organisation that promotes environmental, health and economic issues. It provides an extensive list of case studies and assessments of various alternatives, such as fluorine-free fire-fighting foams.
Alternatives Assessment Library - OECD Substitution and Alternatives Assessment Toolbox (SAAT)
The International Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) offers various instruments to support chemical substitution, including further information on alternatives and case studies (> 30) available on the OECD website.
OECD SAAT