Research project Realizing a non-toxic circular economy

The realization of a circular economy has become a focus in the EU and other countries to move towards sustainable use of resources. This is a necessary transformation to meet the current environmental and climate challenges. However, one important, but often disregarded part of a circular economy is the role of hazardous chemicals. Hazardous chemicals are used in everyday products and when recycled the new products will inevitably contain these chemicals. This project addresses conflicts and synergies between a circular economy and the protection of human and environmental health from hazardous chemicals. We address the following research questions:

1. What are the current conflicts and synergies in chemical management concerning the goal of a non-toxic circular economy?
2. How can conflicts be overcome and how can synergies be utilized for a faster and more efficient transition to a non-toxic circular economy?

To address this, we will use a multi- and interdisciplinary approach, integrating expertise in a circular economy, procurement, toxicology, risk assessment, chemical regulations, and science-policy interactions.