The EU legislative proposal Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) suggests that all products should disclose detailed information in “product passports”. This includes how they are produced, what harmful chemicals they contain, how the products can be repaired, recycled or disposed of, and so on.
Needless to say, these product passports would dramatically increase chemical transparency. Something that is crucial to move away from toxic chemicals. Not only would these passports allow companies to be more progressive but they would also make it easier to monitor and enforce other chemical regulations.
Transparency is one of the most important things when it comes to getting rid of toxic chemicals. The problem is that there’s too little of it right now. But a new legislative proposal might change this. So-called product passports would increase chemical transparency and drive the market towards safer products.
Not everyone likes the idea
Some are opposed to this proposal, arguing that it’s impossible for a company to find all the information that is required. The value chains of today are just too complex. While it could seem a bit daunting for a small company, the market will make sure that it isn’t. If there’s a demand for information at the top of the value chain, it forces the lower parts to comply.
The exact same concern was raised when legislation demanded information on Substances of Very High Concern(SVHCs). But now, some years later, that requirement is completely uncontroversial.
There’s also a concern that these product passports would reveal confidential business information. This may be the case in some instances, but it’s a really small price to pay if you consider the long-term positive effects of increased chemical transparency on people’s health and the well-being of our planet.
Pushing the market towards safer products
Another benefit of product passports is that increased chemical transparency would push companies to use safer ingredients in their products. There are plenty of progressive companies out there ready to gain market shares with safer products. With product passports, they would be able to demonstrate this and cash in on their progressive chemicals management.
Product passports could be a real game changer when it comes to chemical transparency. To combat the chemical pollution crisis, there’s a lot that needs to be done. Product passports are a step in the right direction.
This article was originally posted on ChemSec's website.
ChemSec – the International Chemical Secretariat – is an independent non-profit organisation founded in 2002 that advocates for substitution of toxic chemicals to safer alternatives.
