The EC Chemicals Strategy under the European Green Deal is focusing on creating a toxic-free environment. Effective source control can only be successful if we understand the mass loads early in the supply chain. This requires banning harmful chemicals from consumer products and boosting the use of chemicals that are safe and sustainable by design. For further policy development we recommend that:
-registration processes should be extended to include the relevant uses and the pathways to the environment;
-different groups of chemicals need to be distinguished, based on their toxicity and use (the volume of chemicals should be related to specific purposes/end products);
-awareness should be raised about the presence of chemicals in (consumer) products, and incentives to limit the use to essential applications.
