The latest workshop jointly hosted by IRISS and the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) brought together an international mix of researchers, industry leaders and sustainability practitioners to explore how Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) can be embedded into industrial reality.
In his opening keynote, Professor Klaus Kümmerer of Leuphana Universität Lüneburg highlighted a point that echoed throughout the day: sustainability cannot be an afterthought. He stressed that design choices made at the earliest stages, including during education and training, shape the long-term environmental impact of products. Whether selecting fibres for textiles or configuring materials for complex technologies, designers need a solid understanding of how their decisions influence a product’s life cycle.
The programme featured contributions from experts representing BASF, Philips, Unilever, the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre, the Global Electronics Association and the Ethical Supply Chain Program. Each speaker offered perspectives on what it takes to translate SSbD principles into workable strategies within their sectors.
Beyond presentations, participants engaged in an active exchange of experiences. Attendees ranged from organisations just beginning to explore SSbD approaches to companies already piloting implementation tools. This diversity sparked an honest conversation about what currently works, where gaps remain and how different stakeholders can support one another.
Several themes surfaced repeatedly over the course of the workshop:
The organisers extend their appreciation to all speakers for their thoughtful contributions and to the community members who joined both onsite in Dübendorf and through the virtual platform. The discussions demonstrated that interest in SSbD is growing quickly, accompanied by a collective desire to turn ambition into concrete action.
To continue exchanging ideas and strengthening cooperation, everyone is invited to join the IRISS International SSbD Community Platform. It offers resources, dialogue and opportunities to connect with others committed to advancing sustainable innovation.
