Eco-innovation is the development and application of a business model, shaped by a new business strategy that incorporates sustainability throughout all business operations based on life cycle thinking and in cooperation with partners across the value chain. It entails a coordinated set of modifications or novel solutions to products (goods/services), processes, market approach and organizational structure which leads to a company’s enhanced performance and competitiveness.

The UNEP Eco-Innovation Manual guides technical intermediaries in supporting SMEs in this process. A chemicals supplement is available which applies the eco-innovation methodology with all its phases and activities on the chemicals value chain. The substitution of CoC is an important part of innovative product design, and the approach creates an enabling environment by involving the top management of the company, improving communication with stakeholders and encouraging substitution of hazardous chemicals. Eco-innovation also encourages the use of CiP tools such as ecolabels or product certificates.

Related EPIs

Chemicals in products

Related people

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Valerie Daniela Murcia Rojas

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) has great potential for use and generation, taking into account the technological progress of recent decades, but also the implementation of concepts such as obsolescence.

Sandra
Sandra Averous
Within UNEP’s Chemicals and Health Branch, I am in charge of projects on Chemicals in Products in the buildings, textiles, toys and electronics sectors, chemicals and plastics, sustainable and green chemistry. Furthermore, I am overseeing the Secretariat of the Global Mercury partnership.
Bettina Heller
I am coordinating UNEP’s work on eco-innovation and circularity in different sectors. Through this work I aim to help governments and businesses to identify key strategic actions and implement those – be it through integrated policy frameworks or through novel business strategies. A ground rule for the circular practices I promote through my work is that they should be implementing sound management of chemicals, and pay particular attention to chemicals of concerns, with the objective to reach a non-toxic, circular model. The end goal is that companies are able to offer more sustainable, non-toxic products and services to consumers –
RJR
Robert J. Reinhardt
I am a sustainable business consultant, researcher & cross-disciplinary strategist focusing on establishing the business case for sustainability by driving sustainable innovations in businesses and international organisations through a science based approach. With a PhD in Environmental Engineering on sustainable business model innovation perspectives (going beyond the circular economy) for the emerging electric vehicle battery second use industries, I was able to highlight shared sustainable value creations for multiple-stakeholders and thus I was able to prove the economically viable business case for sustainability in the electric vehicle industry. I apply my academic and industry background in business, environmental science, and

Related Topics

Knowledge Management
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Articles of interest

429 resources found

Manuals and toolkits

Sustainable Procurement of Building Materials:A Progressive Approach to Chemicals of Concern

March 2024
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This guidance is primarily aimed at public procurers involved in a range of contracting agreements related to building materials and products. This includes the purchase of building materials for construction works, but may also extend to material extraction, manufacturing, building, retrofit, refurbishment, design, interior fit out, and end-of-life demolition or deconstruction processes. There are a variety of roles within the procurement cycle that the guidance can support, from commissioning, category management, tender preparation and evaluation, to contract management.

Topics: Chemicals in building products Sustainable Public Procurement
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Factsheets and brochures

Addressing Chemicals of Concern: Key messages and lessons learned

by
SAICM
|
February 2024
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This document summarises lessons learned from the various project activities in three sectors: electrical and electronic equipment (EEE); building and construction; and toys. It also formulates key messages addressed to different stakeholder groups and provides links to guidance and tools developed under the GEF project

Emerging Policy Issues: Chemicals in products Hazardous chemicals in electronics
Topics: Chemicals in electronics Chemicals in toys Eco-innovation Chemicals in building products
Video

Why chemicals matter

February 2024
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The video covers the crucial issues surrounding chemical policies in today's world, the unseen effects of chemicals in everyday life and the global push for policies that foster sustainable practices. The video highlights the challenges and innovative solutions that aim to to protect our environment and health, setting the stage for a greener, safer and sustainable future.

Emerging Policy Issues: Chemicals in products Hazardous chemicals in electronics
Topics: Chemicals in building products Chemicals in electronics Chemicals in toys Eco-innovation
Manuals and toolkits

Guía para la consideración de sustancias químicas de preocupación en el proceso de compras públicas sostenibles de Aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos

November 2023
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Este documento aborda la gestión de sustancias químicas de preocupación y algunos

aspectos de sostenibilidad, incluyendo la circularidad en la compra pública sostenible

(CPS) de los AEE, específicamente de computadores, impresoras y acondicionadores de

aire, proporcionando además una orientación clara a las entidades públicas sobre cómo

incluir criterios técnicos para la adquisición de dichos equipos.

Topics: Sustainable Public Procurement
Country: Colombia
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