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This report provides an overview of the current status and conditions of the Circular Economy in the electronics value chain in the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) region, identifies key areas of concern, provides appropriate recommendations, and proposes priority actions to improve circularity of the sector. The recommendations and roadmap focus on the individual life cycle stages of the electronics value chain, as well as on aspects that cut across the value chain. The transition towards a more circular electronics sector in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) would require a holistic and coordinated approach to progress toward a more circular electronics value chain in the CEE region.

This publication was prepared under the framework of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) full-sized project 9771: Global best practices on emerging chemical policy issues of concern under the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). This project is funded by the GEF, implemented by UNEP and executed by the SAICM Secretariat.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals that are useful in many building materials and consumer products but have a large potential for harm.   The goal of this report is to inform and inspire building owners, architects, designers, building product manufacturers, and government decision makers to eliminate unnecessary uses of PFAS and to promote the design and use of safer non-PFAS alternatives.

The presence of hazardous chemicals in products makes the transformation to circularity more challenging. This report describes UNDP's interventions on Chemicals and Waste Management which aim to achieve circularity across different industries, inluding construction.

Phthalates are mainly used as plasticisers in plastics and can be found in everything from wall coverings and furniture to electronic devices and toys. Phthalates make up two-thirds of the plasticisers market but are proven to be hazardous for human health. This report gives an overview of what phthalates are, their use, and current legislation. It includes a three-step guide to substituting phthalates and analyses the alternatives. 

This report summarises the workstream of the International Sustainable Chemistry Collaborative Centre (ISC3) into the use of plastics in the built environment and the impacts on human health.

This report from the Healthy Building Network looks at the environmental health impacts of chlorine, a key ingredient in the PVC supply chain. The report lists the 86 largest chlor-alkali plants and 56 largest PVC plants in the Western Hemisphere, Africa, and Europe. It analyzes chlorine markets with an emphasis on the PVC supply chain, chlorine production technologies, and pollution associated with the production of chlorine and chlorine-based products.

This report gives a summary of a research project which aimed to identify less hazardous alternatives to methylene chloride in formulated paint stripper products, and to align alternatives with the California Safer Consumer Products regulations.

This report gives a summary of a research project which aimed to compare the health and environmental impacts of  plasticizer alternatives to phthalates now in use in PVC building products. The report recommends the most effective phthalate alternatives.