Application of Safe and Sustainable Design Approaches

This technical report discusses the application of safe and sustainable design (SSbD) approaches within Unilever, focusing on the development of a biosurfactant for home care products. The report is structured in two parts: the first part provides a case study on the innovation process of a biosurfactant, detailing how safety and sustainability considerations are integrated from the earliest stages of product development. It outlines the collaboration between R&D teams and safety scientists to ensure that consumer, occupational, and environmental safety are prioritized. The second part offers a downstream user perspective on the European Commission's SSbD framework, including recommendations for its further development. The report emphasizes the importance of aligning the SSbD framework with existing innovation processes and highlights the need for sector-based initiatives to share data and methodologies. The findings underscore the necessity of fostering a conducive company culture to support sustainable product innovation effectively.