Alternatives Assessment

Alternatives Assessment (AoA) is a method that can be used to avoid "regrettable substitution", i.e. the risk of choosing an alternative that turns out to be as bad or worse than the chemical being phased out.

This approach is recommended by several experts in the field. There is no strict protocol on how to work, but there are several frameworks developed by different actors that can help structure the work. What they have in common is that they advocate functional substitution, work transparently, carefully document all decisions, involve the necessary stakeholders in the work, and set clear objectives and decision rules for the process.

How to work with Alternatives Assessment

Gather information about the chemical to be phased out.

Start by researching the chemical to be phased out, documenting its hazardous properties, the function it performs in the product or process it is part of, and the performance requirements it meets.

Set criteria for alternatives

In an AoA, safety should always be the first priority, so make sure that criteria are established early in the process to exclude chemicals with hazardous properties. This can be done using existing chemical legislation, but there are also other types of restriction lists that can be used. If criteria for other aspects, such as cost and function, are included, remember that these should only be considered when criteria relating to hazardous properties are evaluated later in the process.

Learn more about chemicals to be phased out

Learn more about finding hazardous chemicals in the legislation

Go to our Substitution guide step 2

Find alternatives

Work with stakeholders to identify possible alternatives by using your networks, searching various tools and databases, consulting authorities, etc. Pay particular attention to alternatives that have already been developed and tested in similar applications. Remember to also explore alternatives that involve new materials, designs or processes - i.e. build on the concept of functional substitution!

Perhaps the function fulfilled by the chemical to be phased out can be eliminated altogether?

Learn more about Tools to find alternatives

Go to our Substitution guide step 3

Assess alternatives

Evaluate all alternatives against the criteria you have set.  There are various tools and comparative models that can be used to do this. It is important not to treat an option with missing information as safe, but to have a strategy for dealing with it. Remember to always prioritise criteria related to hazardous properties over other aspects you may have included in the process!

Lear more about Tools to assess alternatives 

Go to our Substitution guide step 4

Implement and improve

When the new alternative is ready to be implemented, communicate this to your customers with information on the benefits it brings. Then collect feedback from employees and customers to make any adjustments that may be needed.

By publicising your work, you will help spread the word about substitution of hazardous chemicals - and by showing your success, you can also inspire others to get started!