HEJSupport participated in a multi-stakeholder workshop on Economic and Industry Sector Engagement and Action to Implement the Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC). The workshop provided an excellent opportunity to discuss issues of chemical transparency and traceability in key industry sectors such as healthcare, textiles, and electronics. It addressed safe procurement, the elimination of toxic chemicals from devices, and insights from other sectors like food and pharmaceuticals. Participants also highlighted the connection between the circular economy and the transparency and traceability of chemicals in products across their value chains, including those for recyclers. The significance of a harmonized approach to disclosing chemical information was emphasized.
The meeting discussion was focused on the development of an Implementation Programme on Industry Engagement as a step towards the GFC implementation. The workshop was hosted by the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, Boulogne), in Paris, France, from Monday 24 – Wednesday 26 February 2025. It was attended by more than 130 participants in person and online.
For the meeting, HEJSupport, SSNC and groundWorkSA prepared a position paper, “Implementation of transparency and traceability systems for chemical identity information for manufactured materials and products“. The paper highlights that “knowing which chemicals are in materials and products is crucial for achieving the SDG targets 12:4 and 12:5 on sound chemicals management and waste reduction and management, including through circular economy. By identifying the chemicals present, we can take measures to minimize their release into the air, water, and soil, reducing adverse impacts on human health and the environment. Furthermore, understanding the chemical composition of products helps in developing effective recycling and waste management strategies, ensuring that hazardous substances are properly handled and do not contaminate the environment.”
In the opening statement, HEJSupport, SSNC and groundWorkSouth Africa noted that for the Implementation programme on industry engagement, including the healthcare sector, we recommend enacting the key elements of the UNEP Chemicals in Products Programme and creating a globally harmonized transparency standard for identifying and disclosing chemicals of concern. We also recommend utilizing the UN ECE Guidelines for Digital Product Passports to ensure that chemical information is connected to individual items and remains accessible throughout their lifecycle. For example, for the healthcare sector, accurately identifying and tracking all chemicals used in medical products and devices and phasing out chemicals and polymers of concern helps protect patient safety and improve treatment effectiveness.
The first day of the workshop included discussions on the following topics:
– stakeholder initiatives relevant to sectoral programs for the implementation of the GFC
– opportunities that sectoral implementation programs can provide for the healthcare, textile and electronics sectors, and
– working groups that discussed possible guidelines for developing strategies for sustainable management of chemicals and wastes in industry.
The second day of the workshop focused on “Chemical Pollution Disclosure, Sustainability Reporting and Sustainable Financing” related to the GFC Target D3*. Discussions included a wide range of presentations related to:
– comprehending and enhancing disclosure elements and reporting standards concerning chemicals and waste, and
– enhancing engagement with financial stakeholders and investors to achieve GFC Target D3.
* Global Chemicals Framework, Target D3: “By 2030, the private sector, including the financial sector, will integrate strategies and policies for the sound management of chemicals and wastes into their financial approaches and business models and apply internationally recognized or equivalent reporting standards”.
The third and final day of the workshop concentrated on further developing the draft mandate, terms of reference, and work plan for the implementation program regarding industry engagement to apply the GFC, which includes global activities and considers specific sectoral implementation programs. Mobilizing funding for the program was a key topic of discussion.
After extensive discussions, participants emphasized the importance of actively involving all stakeholders, including the private sector, governments, civil society organizations, labour, and academia. Workshop attendees demonstrated the ongoing commitment to advancing this work in continuing the dialogues leading up to the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) of the GFC, scheduled to take place in Uruguay from June 24 to 27, 2025. The meeting will address topics such as priority chemicals of concern, the chemical footprint of industry, green and sustainable chemistry, as well as issues like health and safety, transparency and traceability of chemical information, and connections between sectoral programs.
Sector-specific discussions were conducted in ad hoc working groups for the healthcare sector (convened by WHO) and the electronics and textiles sectors (convened by UNEP). Consideration was also given to identifying other potential sectors for follow-up work, such as agriculture, construction, consumer goods/retail, and finance/investment.
At the closing session, Kay Williams, Head of the GFC Secretariat, highlighted that more progress could be made under the OEWG. Additionally, work is commencing on the National Chemical Legislation and Institutional Capacity Building Programs. The inaugural webinar is scheduled for March 20, 2025, and the first multi-stakeholder workshop will take place on June 22-23, right before the OEWG.
More information is available at: https://partnership.who.int/iomc/newsroom/events/item/2025/02/24/default-calendar/economic-and-industry-sector-engagement-and-action-to-implement-the-global-framework-on-chemicals-(gfc)
