GFC – Implementation Project I: Roadmap to 2030

Identifying the need for action by relevant stakeholders based on the objectives of the GFC

In 2023, the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) was adopted at the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM5), marking a significant milestone in the global effort toward sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020. While the framework sets a clear vision, the real challenge lies in translating its targets into action.

To support this, the German Environment Agency has initiated the project GFC – Implementation Project I: Roadmap to 2030 that convenes stakeholders across sectors to identify practical pathways for implementation, feeding into Germany’s contribution to the GFC process. As the successor to the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), the GFC is a voluntary, global initiative with ambitious goals: a world where chemicals no longer pose harm to people or the environment.

Together with an experienced consortium, the CSCP leads the GFC – Implementation Project I: Roadmap to 2030 project, aiming to identify and prepare Germany’s potential contributions to the implementation of the GFC.

As part of the project, we will strive to build the broadest possible consensus by engaging in in-depth dialogue with a diverse range of stakeholders—including actors along the chemical value chain, recycling companies, AI and digital product passport (DPP) start-ups as well as consumers and environmental organisations.

The project targets three specific fields, each addressed through its own sub-project:

The first sub-project—Defossilisation of the Chemical Industry—focuses on the transition of this industry in Germany from fossil to renewable carbon sources. These sources include, in particular, recycled materials, biomass (especially from waste), and carbon dioxide. Existing concepts and scenarios for defossilisation are evaluated, documented, adapted where necessary, and merged.

The second sub-project—Alternative Substances Assessment—is based on the ideas of a ‘green chemistry’ and ‘inherently safe chemicals’. The aim is to promote the use of safe substances instead of using critical chemicals.  A methodological framework and tools will be evaluated in order to place alternative testing for substance substitution on a scientifically widely accepted basis.

The third sub-project—Ecodesign/Digital Product Passport (DPP)—takes up some of the basic ideas from the EU Ecodesign Regulation. An improved recyclability of products is particularly important for eco-design. The DPP, currently under development, is suitable for achieving this, as it can be used to pass on the information required for recycling in the value chain. The DPPs can also be an important source of information, particularly for the global division of labour. The recycling additives, which are becoming increasingly important for all relevant areas of application for recycled plastics, are to be specified as an example.

The GFC – Implementation Project I: Roadmap to 2030 project is funded by the German Environment Agency and runs until March 2027.