Nowadays in manufacturing, the topic of sustainability plays a key role. One of the general conclusions out of this case study is that data gaps are a key aspect in view of the reliability of the results. In the second part of the manuscript, the application is shown for a case study dealing with the application of nanoparticles for Li-Ion batteries. This approach, embedded into the stage-gate-model for safe by design, allows to reduce the uncertainty related to the assessment of risks and impacts by improving the quality of the data collected along each stage. The result is a nested and iterative process in form of a decision tree that integrates these three elements in order to achieve sustainable, safe and competitive materials, products or services. In the on-hand manuscript, a concept combining safe by design and sustainability was implemented through the integration of human and environmental risk assessment, life cycle assessment as well as an assessment of the economic viability. Moving towards safe and sustainable innovations is an international policy ambition.
This chapter is intended to drive readers through such issues by stimulating their sensibility towards sustainability within the chemical industry. The implementation of S-LCA strategies may help enterprises to configure repercussions of their activities in this sense, by achieving SDGs described in the Agenda 2030. Recently, the social sphere of sustainability has increased its importance also in the chemical industry, because many chemicals could have social repercussions as a consequence of their adoption. However, the use of biomass as starting precursors needs to be assessed through LCA before considering a bio-based route greener than the traditional fossil pathway. Among these the usage of renewables sources of building blocks is one of the most investigated principle.
The development of a lower impact and safer chemical industry is encouraged by the adoption of the Green Chemistry principles. The development and production of fine/bulk chemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, personal care products, etc., may be supported by LCA and green metrics. The usage of LCA is a common practice in corporates working in the field of chemistry.
The application of a life-cycle perspective within the industrial sector may help companies in supporting all the planning activities aimed to promote new business opportunities.