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Environmentally Friendly Product Development in the Chemical Sector in Gothenburg

An Effective Practice

This practice has been Archived and is no longer maintained.

Description

The Swedish City of Gothenburg set up an advice and technology program to encourage the manufacturing industry from the chemical sector to switch to environmentally friendly products and production methods. The co-operation between municipal authorities, consultants, and industries encouraged the development, testing, and marketing of less harmful alternatives for hazardous products. The Chemical Sweep program was a three year project aiming to study the use of dangerous chemicals in products, production, and daily use. Special campaigns were targeted at car maintenance, chemicals, and cadmium batteries.

Goal / Mission

The goal of the project was to encourage chemical manufacturers to change to environmentally friendly products and production methods.

Results / Accomplishments

The Chemical Sweep program succeeded in changing the chemical industry's approach to different products. For instance, by 1992 the environmental authority had succeeded in reaching an agreement with manufacturers to stop the use of nonyl phenol etoxylates in all kinds of cleaning products. Also, the Environmental Protection Office succeeded in convincing distributors and shops to remove products containing methylene dichloride and 1,1,1-trichloroethane from their shelves.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
The European Academy of the Urban Environment
Primary Contact
No current contact information available
Topics
Environmental Health / Toxins & Contaminants
Organization(s)
The European Academy of the Urban Environment
Date of publication
1/25/2001
Date of implementation
1990
Geographic Type
Urban
Location
Sweden
Michigan Health Improvement Alliance