Workflow and overall structure of an SSbD digital infrastructure for SME and polymeric materials

Previous and current projects indicate that many resources (data, tools, methods) are available for the risk and sustainability assessment of materials. However, these resources are not suitable for safe and sustainable by design (SSbD) implementation by small and medium enterprises (SME) as they are quite complex, require a lot of data, are time-consuming and are not always material specific. SMEs need a clear guidance on how to make their materials, products or processes safer and more sustainable. In order to support the development of SSbD polymeric materials, a web-based digital infrastructure was developed which follows the Joint Research Center SSbD framework. The main goal of this infrastructure is to support SMEs to implement SSbD in their materials design by integrating tools and data to drive better decision-making that aligns with environmental and economic sustainability while ensuring material safety. This infrastructure consists of a four-tiered workflow to give users SSbD options based on limited data. First, the infrastructure has an SSbD e-learning module designed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical insights into sustainable, recyclable materials and technologies across various industries. Second, guiding principles are provided to support the design of chemicals and materials. The (re) design and SSbD leverage identification is the first phase of the two-phase approach recommended in the SSbD framework. Criteria are defined and detailed to guide the users through the (re)-design phase of the SSbD innovation. The users will then be able to reproduce the same approach as the case studies presented as examples. Third, the assessment methodology is a step-wise tiered and iterative approach addressing hazard, exposure, environmental, economic and social impacts and providing a unique scoring strategy. Assessment needs depend on the process maturity and three tiers are offered. This is the second phase of the SSbD framework. Finally, the infrastructure provides access to all the project public results with a permanent access to the entire scientific outcome. This work is developed within the framework of polymer substances and their additives (including end-of-life recycling). However, this approach can be extrapolated to other substance families.