Research bill highlights chemically safe future
The Swedish government’s new research bill, presented on December 12th 2024, emphasizes the importance of a 'chemically safe future' in driving the transition to a sustainable, circular economy. The government will assign Formas a mission to focus on research and innovation for a chemically safe future in a toxic-free circular economy. As part of the budget increase for research allocated to Formas, 10 million SEK will be earmarked in 2025 for research on a chemically safe future, 20 million SEK in 2026, 25 million SEK in 2027, and 40 million SEK in 2028. These funds will be directed toward research and innovation to improve chemical safety, enable substitution of hazardous substances, and address knowledge gaps related to emerging chemicals and climate impacts.
11.1.5 Research for a Chemically Safe Future
Chemistry and chemicals play a crucial role in producing inputs and products essential for the success of the climate transition. Society’s ability to prevent and manage risks associated with chemicals and waste needs to improve as part of the transition towards a more circular economy. At the same time, research and innovation are necessary to develop sustainable alternatives.
New substances are being introduced to the EU market at an increasingly rapid pace. Experiences with the challenges posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have made it clear that society needs to be better prepared to handle both new and already known chemicals, as well as other substances and materials in circulation. Climate change is expected to influence how environmental pollutants spread and may also lead to effects requiring society to develop new chemicals or use existing chemicals in new ways. Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding what lies ahead, and proactive research investments are needed to address these challenges.
The Government intends to assign Formas a mandate to invest in research and innovation for a chemically safe future within a non-toxic circular economy. The focus of this investment should be on improving chemical control and enabling the substitution of hazardous substances through more active collaboration with other authorities and consultation with relevant industries. Among other things, efforts are needed for early risk screening and better validation of results to ensure their relevance for regulatory purposes based on international guidelines.
To ensure a sustainable shift towards increased resource efficiency, further knowledge is needed about the societal changes brought by a circular economy, the incentives for changing practices and behaviors, and the policy instruments that could be effective. Additionally, more knowledge is required about innovations in production chains as well as in reuse and recycling.
As part of the budget increase for research allocated to Formas, SEK 10 million will be earmarked in 2025 for research and innovation investments aimed at a chemically safe future within a non-toxic circular economy. For the following years, SEK 20 million is planned for 2026, SEK 25 million for 2027, and SEK 40 million for 2028 for this purpose.
(The above text has been translated using AI)