ChemFORWARD Announces Chemical Alternatives Finder: Bridging the Gap Between Hazard Data and Functional Alternatives

Durham, NC – July, 29, 2025– ChemFORWARD is excited to announce the launch of its new Chemical Alternatives Finder. As the leading science-based, non-profit platform for comprehensive chemical hazard data, this significant enhancement will empower ChemFORWARD’s users to move beyond hazard identification and seamlessly integrate functionality into their chemical selection processes.

ChemFORWARD’s platform currently provides access to hazard data on nearly 220,000 chemicals used in commerce. This includes comprehensive chemical hazard assessments (CHAs) from leading toxicology firms, which are peer-reviewed by independent experts, as well as curated data from numerous regulatory and authoritative sources. This data enables users to more effectively avoid chemicals of concern and prioritize safer alternatives.

Addressing a Critical Need: Functionality as a Key Decision Criterion

Recognizing that hazard data alone is insufficient for informed decision-making, ChemFORWARD undertook a year-long user-centered design and re-engineering process that incorporated expert input from members of our Industry Collaboratives and advisory community. The result is the Chemical Alternatives Finder, a powerful tool designed to bridge the gap between hazard and functionality.

Data-Driven Functionality Search Capabilities:

The Chemical Alternatives Finder introduces the following key features:

• Function and Application Search: Quickly narrow down chemicals that may meet specific functional needs. Users can search chemicals by function, application, and other standardized tags, which allows grouping of compounds into established categories based on industry-specific observations and credible sources. 

• Solubility Similarity Search: Identify potentially safer, functional alternatives to solvents. Comparing empirical solubility data using Hansen Solubility Parameters, the tool will provide solubility similarity scores between a target chemical and potential alternatives.

• Property Similarity Search: Enhance the likelihood of identifying acceptable substitutes using a data-driven approach. By comparing physical-chemical properties, which are critical to chemical functionality or acceptability, the tool will provide property similarity scores between a target and potential alternatives. 

• Structural Similarity Search: Find potential alternatives with comparable performance. Where chemical structure dictates function, users can search for alternatives that are structurally similar to a target compound.

Science-Based Approach to Alternatives Selection

The Chemical Alternatives Finder represents a significant advancement in chemical alternatives selection, providing users with the tools they need to drive innovation and create safer products. The features are available to all current subscribers. 

"Our goal is to provide users with the most comprehensive and actionable data possible," stated Heather McKenney, Science and Safer Chemistry Lead of ChemFORWARD. "By further integrating chemical functionality and similarity capabilities with our robust hazard data, we empower users to make informed decisions based on the best available science. While this tool is designed to augment, not replace, the expertise of professional formulators, engineers, and product designers, it will significantly streamline the process of identifying safer and functional alternatives."

• About ChemFORWARD:

  ChemFORWARD is a science-based, non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive chemical hazard data and tools to enable safer chemical selection. By promoting transparency and collaboration, ChemFORWARD empowers businesses, governments, and consumers to make informed decisions that protect human health and the environment.