Using the latest science to solve the "Persistent and Mobile" challenge

As the global push to eliminate "forever chemicals" and other chemicals of concern intensifies, many companies are racing to find safer alternatives. But there is a previously hidden risk: Mobility. Chemicals may be "Persistent,Mobile, and Toxic" or “Very Persistent and Very Mobile”.These chemicals can reach and  contaminate drinking water—leading to the same health, regulatory and reputational nightmares we see with PFAS today.

A groundbreaking initiative is bridging the gap between the classroom and the chemical industry. NextGenChem, a new educational program launched by ChemFORWARD and Beyond Benign, is equipping college students with professional-grade tools to design safer products and accelerate the transition to sustainable chemistry.

The Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center’s (PPRC) Certification Assistance Program (CAP) and ChemFORWARD partnered to add new ingredients to the U.S. EPA Safer Choice Ingredients List (SCIL).

Today, ChemFORWARD announced new enhancements to their web-based platform that operationalize and integrate the application of OECD’s Guidance on Key Considerations for the Identification and Selection of Safer Chemical Alternatives.

ChemFORWARD, a science-based nonprofit advancing safer chemistry, today announced the expansion of its SAFER™ trade name ingredient registry. This expansion follows the success of its initial pilot program and incorporates industry-specific criteria, ensuring that safer alternative chemicals are identified in alignment with the unique safety needs of sectors such as beauty, electronics manufacturing, apparel, and more.

DURHAM, NC - February 21, 2025 - ChemFORWARD has updated its Chemical Hazard Data Trust to reflect the recent changes to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL).

Chemical Hazard Data Trust Helps Companies Replace Toxic Chemicals with Safer Alternatives to Reduce Human and Environmental Harm

A significant step forward in maintaining high-quality data that is scientifically accurate, comprehensive, and representative of current research and best practices

ChemFORWARD is pleased to introduce Rachel Simon as our new Senior Manager, Safer Chemistry. In this role, Rachel will play a key part in ChemFORWARD's mission to transform global supply chains by providing accessible and actionable chemical hazard data. Her key focus will be leading ChemFORWARD's Electronics Safer Chemistry Collaborative, driving initiatives to identify safer alternatives in the electronics sector. Rachel brings to ChemFORWARD over fifteen years of experience in sustainability as well as a deep understanding of chemical hazard assessment and safer alternatives, with particular expertise in the electronics sector.

Dr. Lauren Heine (Ph.D. ‘97) and Stacy Glass (GEMBA ‘99) have been awarded the prestigious Beyond Duke Service and Leadership Award for their groundbreaking work and collaboration in co-founding ChemFORWARD, a science-based nonprofit dedicated to eliminating toxic chemical exposure.

A new report from the Safer Chemistry Impact Fund signals a new chapter in our safer chemistry movement - one where ChemFORWARD's data and sharing model is an enabler and our collaborations are an accelerator.

ChemFORWARD submits comments to ECHA’s call for evidence on alternatives to aromatic brominated flame retardants highlighting more than 35 potential safer functional alternatives.

ChemFORWARD Joins an NSF-Funded Project to Tackle "Forever Chemicals" with AI

ChemFORWARD, a science-based, nonprofit organization, announces "Know Better, Do Better," the first-of-its kind collaboration of industry-leading beauty companies Sephora, Ulta Beauty, Credo, Beautycounter, and The Honest Company, as well as ingredient designer Inolex and the global nonprofit organization Environmental Defense Fund. These stakeholders are banding together to promote the use of safer chemistry and improve chemical hazard data to enable informed decision making.

ChemFORWARD Releases v1 Botanicals Hazard Assessment Methodology

ChemFORWARD has been invited to speak at several conferences this Fall. You can find all the details below. If you are attending any of these events please reach out and connect with us or attend our session as we share specifics about what ChemFORWARD is doing to accelerate the elimination of toxic chemicals and transition to safer chemistry in multiple sectors.

As citizens and governments wake up to the plastic pollution problem, they’re turning to businesses to solve it. Reusable containers and packaging eliminate the need for single-use plastic and should be pursued as a primary solution.