A proposed new ASTM International guide will help companies explore how to analyze alternative chemical use throughout the life cycle of their products.
Assessing and using alternative chemicals has become increasingly common across many industries, such as green building certifications (i.e., LEED). The proposed new standard (WK40619, Guide for Making Chemical Selection Decisions in the Life Cycle of Products) will function as a template that helps companies analyze how any one chemical’s use has social, economic and ecological implications at each stage of a product’s lifecycle.
This guide will help companies follow a process, document and rationalize how to incorporate sustainability into their business decisions related to products and ingredients. In addition, the guide will help companies respond to growing regulatory requirements in a systematic way. For example, a new California regulation requires analysis of alternatives but does not provide guidance on how to perform such an analysis. Michael Schmeida, corporate manager of stewardship at the Oatey Co., says the guide would be particularly useful to manufacturers and consultants when determining whether to use greener chemicals and adopt new technologies that fulfil sustainability goals of a business. “Green building systems and codes could potentially use the proposed standard as a means of meeting green chemistry credits and goals,” says Schmeida, chair of ASTM’s Committee on Sustainability (E60). “In addition, regulators could reference it as a compliance path for their green chemistry regulations.” The proposed standard could eventually be used and adapted for many consumer products, with the exception of those already governed by specific programs and regulations, such as food, firearms, explosives, pharmaceuticals and fuels. WK40619 is being developed by Subcommittee E60.80 on General Sustainability Standards, which invites all interested parties to join in its activities. 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/environmental. ASTM Committee E60 on Sustainability Next Meeting: April 28-May 1, 2015, April committee week, Anaheim, Calif.
Technical Contact: Michael Schmeida, The Oatey Co., Cleveland, Ohio, tel +1.216.898.3469; mschmeida@oatey.com
ASTM Staff Contact: Stephen Mawn, tel +1.610.832.9726; smawn@astm.org
ASTM PR Contact: Nathan Osburn, tel +1.610.832.9603; nosburn@astm.org
Release #9780