Safe and Sustainable by Design

What is SSbD

Introduction

In line with the objectives of the European Green Deal, SSbD is a systemic approach to integrate safety, sustainability and functionality of products and processes throughout their life cycle, from design to end-of-life, with a view to reuse and recycling (circularity).
It is proposed as an approach to R&I and product development that brings economic, environmental and social value for the benefit of society and business, supporting the ambitious goals of the strategy, including zero pollution for a toxic-free environment.

Timeline of relevant concepts for the SSbD

  • 1967Safety of chemicals

    EU legislation "Dangerous Substances Directive" (DSD)

  • 1972Sustainability

    Club's of Rome report "Limits to Growth"

  • 1987Sustainability

    Publication of "Our Common Future", also known as the "Brundtland Report"

  • 1998Green Chemistry

    12 Principles

  • 2003Green Engineering

    12 Principles

  • 2015Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    Adopted by all United Nations Member States

  • 2022"Safe and Sustainable by Design"

    Annunciation of SSbD framework

Expected operational benefits include, in addition to safety and sustainability, a better cost-effectiveness of the innovation process and greater compliance with current and future regulatory requirements (and thus shorter time-to-market).

SSbD requires continuous and careful analysis of all stages of product development.
The requirements of safety, circularity and sustainability must be considered from the earliest design stages, evaluating possible material development and engineering options. The description and preliminary assessment of potential impacts must be introduced already at the prototype level, in order to guide product development towards their minimisation. Sustainability, safety and performance of manufactured products must be evaluated according to recognised criteria, and the results used to optimise production, use and end-of-life phases.

 

Hierarchical principles underpinning the SSbD framework suggested.

Timeline of the SSbD framework

  • May - June 2023Feedback collection

  • Winter 2023Workshop on collected feedback

  • Spring 2024Guidance report v1

  • May - August 2024Feedback collection

  • Autumn 2024Workshop on collected feedback

  • Winter 2024Guidance report v2

  • End of 2025Revision of framework

  • January 2026SSbD stakeholder workshop

  • February 2026Guidance report version 2

Platforms for SSbD: check them out

IRISS

The International SSbD Network

IRISS is the international ecosystem for accelerating the transition to Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) materials, products, and processes. Its purpose is to connect, synergize, and transform the SSbD community in Europe and globally towards a lifecycle approach, where safety, climate neutrality, circularity, and functionality are integrated from the earliest stages of design and production. A core element of IRISS is the active involvement of industry, engaging diverse value chains such as automotive, construction, electronics, energy, fragrance, packaging, and textiles. By connecting science, industry, and policy, IRISS provides a platform for knowledge exchange and co-creation to drive sustainable transformation.

Know more on IRISS

PARC

Knowledge sharing portal

The EU PARC (Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals) Knowledge Sharing Portal provides a central portal for accessing information, gaining knowledge, and finding support to implement SSbD. Visitors can find important information and explore links to training and educational materials provided to build capacities and develop skills. The portal provides access to the PARC SSbD toolbox, a useful guide to implement the SSbD framework, as well as a direct connection to the SSbD user community at PARCopedia.

Know more on PARC