Chemical management: How artificial intelligence (AI) affects substitution
Chemical substitution, replacing hazardous chemicals with less harmful alternatives, has long been an important tool for improving health, safety, and the environment. In the past, this work has been time-consuming and complex. Now, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how companies in many industries work with chemicals and risk reduction.
Today’s challenges with substitution
Finding safer alternatives to existing chemicals is rarely straightforward. Companies often have to consider:
Hazard classification and health effects
Technical performance and function
Regulations and regulatory requirements
Availability in the supply chain
Traditionally, this has been done manually, by comparing safety data sheets (SDS), regulations, and internal experiences. The result can be lengthy processes, divergent assessments, and an increased risk of errors. This, in turn, can delay the introduction of safer chemicals and make it more difficult to meet HSE and sustainability requirements.
KI as support in substitution
Artificial intelligence makes it possible to work more systematically and data-driven with chemical substitution. Instead of relying on manual searches and individual assessments, AI can analyse large amounts of chemical data in a short time and provide structured suggestions for alternatives. This can contribute to a better overview, more consistent assessments, and faster decision-making processes.
Although AI can provide valuable analyses and recommendations, the results must always be evaluated by qualified professionals. AI is a decision support tool and not a substitute for chemical, HSE, or regulatory expertise.
Faster identification of safer alternatives
With the help of AI, companies can quickly analyse large amounts of SDS data and other chemical information. The system can suggest substances or products with lower hazard levels, similar functionality, and better regulatory status.
This is particularly useful when regulations change or when there is a need for rapid transition to safer solutions.
Automated assessment of hazards and risks
AI can help interpret complex data, classify hazards, and calculate risk levels in a more standardised way. This reduces differences in assessments between departments and projects.
In addition, KI can reveal incomplete or outdated information, enabling the business to identify where updates or professional reviews are needed.
Better control of regulations – nationally and internationally
Many companies operate in several countries or have to comply with both local and international requirements. AI-based solutions can monitor regulatory changes and automatically check whether chemicals and proposed alternatives comply with current requirements.
This reduces the risk of unintentional regulatory violations and supports a more proactive approach to chemical management.
Support for sustainability and ESG work
KI can also be used to compare environmental properties such as degradability, ecotoxicity, emissions, and life cycle impact. This provides a better basis for decision-making for companies that work systematically with sustainability, environmental reporting, and ESG requirements.
Artificial intelligence is simplifying and improving the work of chemical substitution. For companies that want to reduce risk, improve the working environment, and be better equipped for future requirements, AI-based solutions can be an important step forward. When used correctly, artificial intelligence can contribute to safer chemical use, better compliance with regulations, and more sustainable choices – across industries and national borders.
Substitution of chemicals: How to choose safer alternatives
Substitution of chemicals is an important measure for improving the working environment, minimising environmental impact, and making it easier to meet requirements from authorities and customers. By working systematically with this, organisations can reduce risk and create a safer working day. In this article, you will find a simple explanation of what substitution is, why it is important, and how you can carry it out in practice.
What is chemical substitution?
Substitution is about replacing a hazardous chemical with a safer alternative. It can involve replacing substances that are harmful to the environment or health, or changing processes so that the chemical is not needed at all.
Why substitute chemicals?
Substitution should be considered every time the company adopts new products, processes or technologies, especially when chemicals with health and environmental hazards are in use. The duty of substitution means that companies must actively consider alternatives when they exist, as long as this does not entail unreasonable costs or disadvantages.
Employers are required to assess and, where possible, replace hazardous chemicals with less hazardous alternatives.
Examples of substitution
Here are some examples of chemicals with safer alternatives:
Isocyanates in some adhesives, sealants and foams can be replaced with isocyanate-free or water-based products.
Solvent-based paints and varnishes can be replaced with water-based paint systems with lower VOC content.
Oil-based coolants and lubricants can be replaced with water-soluble or synthetic coolants with lower health risks.
Packaging for cleaning agents can be switched to solutions with reduced aerosol formation (e.g. pump bottle or foam dispenser) to minimise inhalation risk and exposure during use.
Substitution always requires a specific assessment, because conditions vary from business to business.
Challenges with substitution
There are some challenges with substitution in practice. Here are the most typical ones:
There is a lack of optimal substitutes: There is not always a better alternative with the same technical quality without the same risk.
Can be costly: Alternative chemicals can be more expensive than current products. In such cases, you need to consider the risk of keeping current chemicals versus the cost of switching to safer alternatives.
It can be time-consuming: Searching for alternatives, testing them, documenting, getting approval and changing procedures can take time.
May be unknown or new risk factors: Substitutes are not necessarily completely harmless. Alternative products may have other hazards that need to be considered.
New chemicals require training and new routines: New chemicals may involve changes in handling, storage and protective equipment. Inadequate training or adaptations can lead to misuse and accidents.
Benefits of substitution
Although substitution may seem challenging, it is one of the most important and effective ways to reduce chemical risks. Here are some of the benefits:
Safer working environment: Replacing hazardous chemicals reduces the risk of accidents and health problems.
Less environmental impact: Substitution can contribute to fewer emissions of environmentally hazardous substances.
Meeting stakeholder requirements: Customers, business partners and society in general are placing ever higher demands on the environment and safety.
Regulatory compliance: Choosing safer alternatives can help meet legal requirements from REACH, CLP and other regulations.
Safer operations and delivery: Products that are hazardous to health and the environment may be subject to restrictions on use and sale through regulations.
Strengthened competitiveness: Through innovation, green profile and lower risk of future restrictions or costs, the business can strengthen its position in the market.
Improved decision-making through AI: The use of artificial intelligence can help identify and assess safer alternatives more quickly and accurately. AI can analyze large volumes of data on the health and environmental properties of chemicals, regulatory requirements, and areas of application, thereby supporting the substitution process.
How to implement chemical substitution?
Here is a recommended step-by-step process for substitution:
1. Get information
Identify which chemicals are used or planned to be used and assess the risk to health and the environment based on safety data sheets (SDS) and probability of exposure. Consider not only the hazard of the substance, but also the exposure situation. Involve your employees early in the process as they often have valuable practical experience.
2. Check if there are alternatives
Investigate possible alternatives through suppliers, industry associations or digital tools. Consider technical, practical and financial aspects.
3. Assess, compare and select
Compare the options in terms of risk, environmental impact, resource use and costs, and choose the one that provides the lowest overall risk and greatest benefit. Feel free to test the option on a small scale before full transition to ensure it works in practice.
4. Inform customers and suppliers
Share information about new chemicals or processes so that the change can be communicated throughout the value chain.
There are a number of resources and digital tools that can help identify, assess and document the substitution of chemicals. By working systematically to identify and introduce safer alternatives, businesses can reduce risk, meet regulatory and customer requirements and strengthen their competitiveness. Replacing hazardous chemicals is therefore not just about removing risk, but about creating new opportunities.
