OECD | Case study on flooring: An example of chemical considerations for sustainable plastics design

Executive Summary

The OECD is conducting a project on design of sustainable plastics from a chemical perspective which aims to identify the key considerations regarding environmental/health sustainability that should be examined along the product life cycle when chemicals are selected at the design stage, as well as the potential trade-offs between these considerations. Case studies on particular sector/product combinations have been elaborated to inform the development of the general considerations. This case study aims to increase the awareness of environmental and health impacts and potential policy interventions to lead to sustainable plastic products from a chemicals perspective using flooring as an example.

Building on the findings from the recent OECD report “Considerations and Criteria for Sustainable Plastics from a Chemical Perspective,” this case study lays out actionable Sustainable Plastic Goals that could be applied across the product life cycle to help develop sustainable durable plastic products.