Substitution of hazardous substances for health and environment: lessons and experiences from European projects

Abstract

This paper deals with substitution of hazardous substances in production processes for environmental and health and safety reasons, with special reference to experiences of substitution of volatile organic compounds in paints and in concrete mould release agents. Substitution in this context is seen as a particular kind of technological transfer, in which the main value of the technology lies in its environmental and health and safety performances, as a contribution to industrial sustainability. The authors identify the main actors of the substitution process (industry, trade unions, NGOs, etc.), the role they play in such a process (promoter, target group, ally or opposer) and the scene in which the action develops (i.e. the institutional and cultural framework). Building on the lessons and experiences drawn from the analysis of twenty cases in different sectors throughout the European Union, factors favouring and opposing substitution, as well as the features of "good" promoters and projects, are analysed.