Envirowise has published a practical guide called 'Resource Efficiency through Green Chemistry'. The guide will be useful to Welsh businesses which manufacture a wide range of chemical products, including paints, plastics, adhesives and pharmaceuticals, as well as those which regularly use chemicals as part of their day-to-day operations, such as printers, textile producers and electroplaters.
Chemical manufacturers and suppliers will find the guide particularly helpful in view of the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) Regulations.
The compliance costs associated with REACH registration are likely to prompt Welsh manufacturers to consider substituting hazardous substances in their products with replacement materials. The principles of green chemistry could form an excellent foundation for this process.
Envirowise recommends businesses take the following approach:
- Make a detailed assessment of the chemicals you currently use or manufacture.
- Develop an action plan by reviewing the 12 principles of green chemistry.
- Brainstorm innovative ideas and opportunities that could lead to the production of products with lower environmental impacts.
- Consider making the integration of green chemistry a business priority.
- Regularly review progress to ensure that the processes being implemented continues to lead to environmental improvements.
More detail on each of these steps is available in 'Resource Efficiency through Green Chemistry', which can be accessed online or by calling Envirowise on 0800 585794.