Periodic Reporting for period 1 - IRISS (The InteRnatIonal ecosystem for accelerating the transition to Safe-and-Sustainable-by-design materials, products and processes)
Berichtszeitraum: 2022-06-01 bis 2023-11-30
The IRISS project aims to connect, synergize and transform the SSbD community in Europe and globally towards a life cycle thinking where there is a holistic integration of safety, climate neutrality, circularity and functionality of materials, products and processes throughout their lifecycle to meet the European Green Deal, EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, and UN SDGs. The uniqueness of IRISS is that the consortium is built of core and network partners that represent the top components needed to build an EU-led permanent network (i.e. policy, industry, applied science, innovation and research & education), and that is self-sustaining and international in scope.
IRISS responds to the work programme with the following objectives:
1. To develop a state-of-the-art SSbD ecosystem that is supportive for the uptake and utilization of safe-by-design (SbD) and sustainable-by-design (SusbD) strategies by industry, especially SMEs.
2. To contribute to criteria and guiding principles for SusbD development driven by the application of life cycle thinking in materials and product design and in line with ongoing work in European and international initiatives.
3. To establish a structure for a permanent, gender balanced, inclusive, international and sustainable experts network accessible for all relevant stakeholders.
4. To develop SSbD roadmaps encompassing three, agendas identifying: 1) scientific research needs, 2) skills, competences and education needs, and 3) knowledge and information sharing needs. The roadmaps will be developed in a co-creation and inclusive process for the implementation of SSbD in industry and society including prioritised steps within research, innovation, skill demands, management and governance.
5. To develop a monitoring and evaluation programme that systematically scans for state-of-the-art knowledge, information gaps and translates these into specific R&D questions and governance needs that feed into systematic roadmap updates.
IRISS responds to the work programme with the following objectives:
1. To develop a state-of-the-art SSbD ecosystem that is supportive for the uptake and utilization of safe-by-design (SbD) and sustainable-by-design (SusbD) strategies by industry, especially SMEs.
2. To contribute to criteria and guiding principles for SusbD development driven by the application of life cycle thinking in materials and product design and in line with ongoing work in European and international initiatives.
3. To establish a structure for a permanent, gender balanced, inclusive, international and sustainable experts network accessible for all relevant stakeholders.
4. To develop SSbD roadmaps encompassing three, agendas identifying: 1) scientific research needs, 2) skills, competences and education needs, and 3) knowledge and information sharing needs. The roadmaps will be developed in a co-creation and inclusive process for the implementation of SSbD in industry and society including prioritised steps within research, innovation, skill demands, management and governance.
5. To develop a monitoring and evaluation programme that systematically scans for state-of-the-art knowledge, information gaps and translates these into specific R&D questions and governance needs that feed into systematic roadmap updates.
Since the project’s start in June 2022, the IRISS consortium has performed many activities such as participation in conferences, seminars, and meetings, organisation of workshops, and it has engaged in in-depth discussions with legislators, researchers and various value chains on challenges and solutions for implementing Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) concept and framework.
One main achievement has been that thanks to activities performed, the stage is set for roadmaps that will pave the way for actions towards safer and more sustainable materials, processes, and products.
Another main achievement has been to involve seven value chains in the IRISS project: Automotive, Construction, Electronics, Energy materials, Fragrances, Packaging and Textile. Through case studies conducted by these value chains, IRISS works actively on contributing to the European Commissions’ recommendation on the SSbD framework. This work will result in valuable guides for companies’ operationalisation of the SSbD concept.
Lastly, IRISS recognizes the special importance of supporting SMEs with the SSbD concept and has thus developed and delivered a training course tailor made for SMEs.
The first 18 months have resulted in 35 deliverables and seven reached milestones.
One main achievement has been that thanks to activities performed, the stage is set for roadmaps that will pave the way for actions towards safer and more sustainable materials, processes, and products.
Another main achievement has been to involve seven value chains in the IRISS project: Automotive, Construction, Electronics, Energy materials, Fragrances, Packaging and Textile. Through case studies conducted by these value chains, IRISS works actively on contributing to the European Commissions’ recommendation on the SSbD framework. This work will result in valuable guides for companies’ operationalisation of the SSbD concept.
Lastly, IRISS recognizes the special importance of supporting SMEs with the SSbD concept and has thus developed and delivered a training course tailor made for SMEs.
The first 18 months have resulted in 35 deliverables and seven reached milestones.
The IRISS project aims to go beyond current state of art within the SSbD area through conveying and improving knowledge and skills, development of both overarching and value chain specific roadmaps, facilitating exchange of best practice and therefore contribute to development of common methodology and terminology. This is especially useful for companies within relevant value chains, experts, academia and policy developers.
One of the key factors is the establishment of the permanent SSbD network, creating useful connections between different stakeholders. The developed roadmaps will assure the companies’ integration of SSbD at the forefront as well as creating regulatory feedback. The collaboration with the PARC partnership and both Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects will ensure the knowledge transfer needed for the implementation of the SSbD framework. Through the international dissemination activities, engagement of a broader community will be achieved.
One of the key factors is the establishment of the permanent SSbD network, creating useful connections between different stakeholders. The developed roadmaps will assure the companies’ integration of SSbD at the forefront as well as creating regulatory feedback. The collaboration with the PARC partnership and both Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects will ensure the knowledge transfer needed for the implementation of the SSbD framework. Through the international dissemination activities, engagement of a broader community will be achieved.