14 proposals to reduce risks from chemicals

Last autumn, a new global framework on chemicals and waste was adopted. Governments, industry and civil society agreed on targets for a more chemically safe future. So how are Sweden and the EU achieving these goals? The response is mixed.

The Swedish Chemicals Agency's analysis shows that five of the 28 targets are difficult to achieve while the rest can be achieved in full or in part, but it requires a lot of work. The report contains 14 proposals for developing legislation, making it easier for companies to comply with the rules and engaging industry and research in achieving the goals.

‘We think it is important to propose a concrete way forward,’ says Director General Per Ängquist.

The world is facing a triple crisis. It involves biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution from chemicals and waste. The UN Environment Programme describes the crises as interconnected and that they cannot be addressed individually. The Swedish Chemicals Agency agrees with this assessment.

‘In the green transition, it is also important to reduce the spread of hazardous chemicals. Our report can serve as inspiration for authorities, industry and civil society,’ says Per Ängquist.

Read the report with the 14 proposals: The Global Chemicals Framework - now and onwards (In Swedish, summary in English)