Operationalising An Integrated Holistic Impact Assessment To Accelerate Safe And Sustainable Design (SSbD) Acceptance In The Plastic Value Chain

Plastic pollution presents a critical threat to humanity, with Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) posing specific environmental and health risks due to the potential leaching of plasticisers and the release of toxic gases upon combustion. In response, the European ANALYST project aims to mitigate these dangers by developing an integrated approach to impact assessment that encompasses health, environmental, social, and economic dimensions. By adopting the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, the project seeks to influence policymaking and transition industrial value chains toward safer alternatives. This involves comparing conventional PVC with bio-circular attribution PVC across specific use cases—such as flexible and rigid foam applications—to drive innovation in key sectors like automotive and construction. The project is structured around three core pillars: establishing a comprehensive assessment methodology, creating an open platform featuring a digital decision-making tool, and implementing a rigorous validation program. To ensure success, an iterative roadmap will guide stakeholders through specialized training and the practical application of the SSbD framework. This process relies on a continuous loop of testing, feedback, and analysis to identify gaps and risks, ultimately refining the approach to ensure its long-term applicability and effectiveness beyond the project’s immediate duration.