Methods and tools for the safety assessment part of the European Commission’s safe and sustainable by design framework when applied to advanced materials

Abstract

The Safe and Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) framework by the EC-JRC (European Commission – Joint Research Centre) provides a structured approach to integrate safety and sustainability considerations from the earliest stages of chemical and material innovation. However, applying SSbD principles to advanced materials poses specific challenges due to their complex and diverse physicochemical properties. This work analyzes and maps hazard, exposure, fate and risk assessment methods and tools applicable to Steps 1, 2 and 3 of the EC-JRC SSbD framework, categorizing them across its three tiers to address different stages of product development. The analysis highlights the challenges of adapting conventional testing and modelling approaches to advanced materials, particularly for hazard assessment, and considers the relevance and limitations of tools originally developed for exposure and risk assessment of engineered nanomaterials when applied to broader advanced materials categories. An assessment of operational status, access conditions, and tool formats provides practical insights for researchers and industry stakeholders. The study identifies key methodological gaps and offers recommendations to improve and expand the current tool landscape. By providing a structured mapping of available resources and challenges, this work supports the effective implementation of SSbD principles, promoting the safe and sustainable development of advanced materials