Supplement to the Guidelines for Providing Product Sustainability Information focusing on chemicals in products

The demand for safer and more sustainable products is increasing rapidly, but how can we be certain about the information provided in our products? 

Whilst sustainability interest and awareness among consumers have increased in recent years, this does not always translate into an accurate understanding of product sustainability information, including in relation to chemicals. UN Environment Programme is currently working on a project that aims to improve the information provided about chemicals in products such as toys, electronics textiles and building products. The project builds on the Guidelines for Providing Product Sustainability Information, and the objectives are to enable consumers to take better decisions, as well as producers to improve the secure flow of information on hazardous substances across the life cycle of products.

The primary audience of this supplement is manufacturers and retailers. These companies will, in some regions, already have to comply with regulatory requirements on restricted chemicals and information displayed, such as hazard labelling on cleaning products, and ingredient lists for cosmetics. However, this supplement seeks to go beyond the cases where regulations govern chemicals-related information and associated claims. It advises on how the market can exercise best practice in providing information on sustainability of their products related chemicals and material ingredients. Ultimately, accessible chemical-related sustainability information needs to be facilitated for consumers to make informed purchasing choices.

Results of this work will be shared in the beginning of next year, so stay tuned!