Our vision for chemicals management
Our vision for chemicals management sets out principles and approaches that should underpin any sound chemicals management system.
Created in consultation with our community, informed by scientific evidence, and global in scope, this work contributes to our efforts to help the global community ensure that policy and debate are informed by scientific evidence and bring chemistry knowledge, experience and insight into wider societal contexts.
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Introduction
1. Evidence-informed decision making
Chemicals regulation and management decisions are informed by the most up-to-date techniques and evidence, and the scientific basis for decision making is clearly documented and accessible.
We are involved in work on NAMs through the , which provides a strategic steer and advice to the NC3Rs in regulatory safety assessments.
We have many committees and interest groups that work on producing and disseminating top-tier science and standards, such as the , the , and many others.
We share expert knowledge and scientific evidence with policy makers through our many policy positions, reports, and explainers.
Explore the research published in our journals, such as our collection on which supports our work on tackling contaminants of emerging concern.
2. Proactive innovation
A modern approach to chemicals management should actively promote the research and development of safer, more sustainable, and more circular chemicals, materials, products, and processes.
Explore our journal collections on innovation topics, such as this , with research that drives advancements in eco-friendly manufacturing, material innovation, and cleaner, more efficient industrial processes.
We also have a call for papers on PFAS Alternatives, open until 30 April 2026.
Find out about our deep tech chemistry venture accelerator programme.
We, along with our communities and interest groups, run many events on research and innovation topics, such as our Applied Catalysis for the Circular Economy event series.
Learn more about our policy work on environmental sustainability and the circular economy.
Learn more about our asks of the UK government on support for research and innovation, higher and further education, and skills, and read our report on jobs and skills for the circular economy.
Find out about our work on catalysing the transition to sustainable polymers in liquid formulations.
3. Proactive and predictable regulation
Regulations and regulators should be agile and strategic, with an aim to identify and prevent harm while providing clarity, guidance, and long-term certainty for industry.
Read more of our policy work on chemicals regulation and management, such as our position on a risk-based regulatory framework for PFAS, and the report from our workshop on risk and essential use.
Read about our suggestions for improved coordination of chemicals regulation in the UK.
Read our principles for the management of chemicals in the environment.
4. Collaboration
Chemicals are a global challenge, and their management relies on collaboration within and between governments, regulatory bodies, and civil society.
Learn about our involvement in the new and the , and explore the following resources that relate to this work:
- Read our
- Read about our
- See more of our policy positions, events, and official submissions to the UN
Learn more about our Pan Africa Chemistry Network, which seeks to create a self-sustaining science base in Africa, helping to build capacity, solve local challenges and contribute to global knowledge.
The RSC hosts many events that convene experts and stakeholders to share knowledge and cocreate ideas, such as our roundtables on chemicals policy.
Explore the principles in more detail
Read the full position statement below.
Policy position: Our vision for chemicals management
Read this policy position.
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