This new framework measures corporate chemical footprints
The Safer Chemistry Impact Metrics Framework borrows from processes used by companies including Apple, Google, H&M and Sephora. Read More
- The system can be used to map chemical hazards related to products and processes.
- It also helps track and disclose progress.
- The group behind the framework plans to propose it as a formal standard.
The Safer Chemistry Impact Fund (SCI Fund), an initiative backed by Google and Apple, has released a framework that companies can tap to measure chemicals used in their products and supply chains, flag potential hazards and track progress in addressing them.
Called the Safer Chemistry Impact Metrics Framework, it was developed by experts from corporations, nonprofits, investors and government agencies. The framework’s principles were tested by companies in the beauty and personal care, apparel and footwear, and consumer electronics industries, but they are not sector-specific.
The work was motivated by the Global Framework on Chemicals, which, adopted in September 2023 at the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management, sets guidelines for addressing planetary and human health concerns associated with the entire chemical life cycle. Though not binding, it did set expectations.
The Safer Chemistry Impact Framework provides ways to catalogue chemical hazards, identify areas where companies need more information and create chemical footprint profiles. It’s an open architecture that can be plugged into existing chemicals management processes.
For example, it helps companies map the percentage of chemicals they use that fall into the “chemicals of concern” category — those that carry persistent, known risks to humans or the environment — versus those verified as safer alternatives.
The hope is to turn the framework into a recognized standard akin to those that measure greenhouse gas emissions. That process will begin in early 2027, SCI Fund officials said.
“We recognize that we need to formalize this further,” said Rachel Simon, senior manager of safer chemistry collaboratives for nonprofit ChemForward, an SCI Fund partner.
ChemForward manages the Chemical Hazard Data Trust, a repository of hazard assessments rating commonly used chemicals on 24 human and environmental impacts. Companies funding its work include Google, HP and Sephora.
Editor’s note: This story was updated Aug. 19 to clarify ChemForward’s current funders.
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