ASTM Standard supports greener chemicals in consumer products.
Press Release Summary:
With E3027, Guide for Making Sustainability-Related Chemical Selection Decisions in the Life Cycle of Products, manufacturers and regulators can determine whether the most sustainable chemicals are being used for consumer products. Standard will encourage companies to use green chemicals while ensuring that products work properly and are economically viable. It also provides guidance on how to perform analysis of alternative chemicals that is a regulatory requirement in states like California.
Original Press Release:
New ASTM Standard Supports Greener Chemicals in Consumer Products
Manufacturers and regulators can use a new ASTM standard to determine whether the most sustainable chemicals are being used for a wide range of consumer products. The new standard (E3027, Guide for Making Sustainability-Related Chemical Selection Decisions in the Life Cycle of Products) will encourage companies to use “green” chemicals while also ensuring that products work properly and are economically viable.
Michael Schmeida, chairman of ASTM’s Committee on Sustainability (E60), notes that the new standard provides guidance on how to perform an analysis of alternative chemicals that is now a regulatory requirement in U.S. states like California. An example is the analysis of flame retardants in children’s bedding, an important consumer safety concern. Other products that are being considered for such analysis in California include fishing gear and adhesives.
In addition, Schmeida says there is a need for companies to have a structure to evaluate their products in meeting overall green chemistry goals, while ensuring that products also meet other requirements.
“The analysis in the new standard helps set the overall context of how green chemistry tools such as assessment of alternatives and risks can fit into the overall product development scheme within an organization,” says Schmeida.
Schmeida notes that, while E3027 has now been approved, all interested parties are invited join in the continuing evolution of the standard.
To purchase standards, visit www.astm.org and search by the standard designation, or contact ASTM Customer Relations (tel +1.877.909.ASTM; sales@astm.org). ASTM welcomes participation in the development of its standards. Become a member at www.astm.org/JOIN.
For more news in this sector, visit www.astm.org/sn-environmental.
ASTM Committee E60 on Sustainability Next Meeting: April 12-14, 2016, April Committee Week, San Antonio, Texas
Media Inquiries: Nathan Osburn, tel +1.610.832.9603; nosburn@astm.org
Technical Contact: Michael Schmeida, Gypsum Association, Medina, Ohio, tel +1.301.277.8686; mschmeida@gypsum.org
ASTM Staff Contact: Stephen Mawn, tel +1.610.832.9726; smawn@astm.org
