Ann Dierckx (essenscia): “The SSbD framework aims to derisk innovation by identifying potential risks early”
Ann Dierckx from essenscia talks about Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) and its growing relevance in today’s chemical and material development landscape with visible enthusiasm. SSbD aims to integrate safety and sustainability principles right from the innovation phase. Ann Dierckx provides a clear perspective on the challenges, frameworks, and practical applications of SSbD, offering valuable guidance for companies of all sizes navigating this critical transition.
Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) is a framework originating from the European Green Deal’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (2020). It guides the chemical industry to develop inherently safe, sustainable chemicals, materials, and processes by integrating safety and sustainability from the earliest innovation stages. SSbD ensures solutions provide the functions they are designed for and improve performance in at least one safety or sustainability dimension without significant trade-offs elsewhere, aligning with EU goals for climate neutrality, circularity, and a toxic-free environment by 2050. We asked expert Ann Dierckx for some clarity on the concept and find out what companies should focus on when tackling SSbD.
How did Safe and Sustainable by Design get started?
Ann Dierckx: “Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) originated from experiences with nano-technology projects. The goal was to develop technologies that were safe and sustainable from the outset. Over time, this concept gained traction. Simultaneously, there was a movement around the Chemical Strategy for Sustainability, aimed at rethinking future chemical policies. This included evaluating what constitutes safe chemicals, which ties into the REACH initiative.”
Adopting safe and sustainability principles in the design phase helps to identify potential risks early, ensuring a higher likelihood of success in creating safe and sustainable chemicals and products.
Ann Dierckx: “Regulations like product regulations aim to ensure finished products (e.g., smartphones, TVs) are safer and more sustainable. SSbD falls under the voluntary approach to encourage innovation, complementing regulatory measures. The overarching goal is safe and sustainable chemicals, products and processes, pursued through a dual strategy of regulation and voluntary innovation.”
“A key challenge arises when defining ‘sustainable chemicals.’ This can create a lot of confusion. While safety is more straightforward and addressed by REACH, sustainability involves evaluating production processes, materials, and product impacts across the life cycle. In my view, an SSbD approach is best suited to to identify potential risks early, ensuring a higher likelihood of success in creating safe and sustainable chemicals and products.”
How should companies get started with this framework?
Ann Dierckx: “For companies, adopting an SSbD approach is highly advised during the development of new products and materials or redesigning existing ones. Businesses increasingly recognize the importance of operating within planetary boundaries, guided by tools like the Sustainable Portfolio Assessment developed by the World Business Council. Companies either adopt SSbD principles proactively, because they see the benefits of a safe and sustainale portfolio, under investor pressure, or in response to anticipated regulations.”
What is the Portfolio Sustainability Assessment (PSA)?The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) published the Portfolio Sustainability Assessment (PSA) in 2018. Since then, methodologies developed based on the PSA Framework have supported organizations in embedding complex, interconnected sustainability topics into businesses decision-making and steering product and service portfolio performance toward sustainability. Innovation is a key business lever upon which to foster the emergence of sustainable solutions. The PSA Framework applied in this context supports the identification and prioritization of opportunities that contribute to addressing global sustainability challenges. |
How do you weave it together with the purpose of circularity?
Ann Dierckx: “Circularity, while essential, is just one aspect of sustainability. Carbon footprint including upstream and downstream considerations, through Scope 3 emissions, are equally vital. Focusing exclusively on circularity risks overlooking broader sustainability issues. A full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) might not always be necessary, certainly not in the early stage of innovation, but identifying potential hotspots for environmental impact is crucial. This holistic approach ensures well-informed decisions about materials and processes.”
How should SME’s look at this challenge?
Ann Dierckx: “Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) benefit from simple, actionable guidance to implement SSbD. Tools like the Portfolio Sustainability Assessment provide insights into current practices and areas for improvement. Common criteria, such as safety and sustainability, remain applicable across the board, ensuring consistent evaluation standards.”
When can this great challenge of implementing SSbD be called a success?
Ann Dierckx: “SSbD is increasingly embraced by companies. The European Commission has introduced frameworks to standardize discussions and encourage adoption. Incorporating SSbD principles in project evaluations is already underway, highlighting the importance of early-stage assessments to avoid costly missteps. For example, the use of chemical substances in the production process that risk to be banned in the near future. Recognizing these challenges early drives further innovation to mitigate such risks. Companies and policymakers must foster awareness and provide tools to guide SSbD implementation, ensuring a balanced but effective approach to safety, sustainability, and innovation.”
If you want to meet Ann Dierckx from essenscia to talk about Safe & Sustainable by Design, join us for the Trilateral Innovation Summit on September 29th in Watt17 in Heusden-Zolder (Belgium).