Business

Reduce Costs, Build Competitiveness, Reduce Risks

Many Massachusetts businesses - small to large - have reduced toxic chemical use by switching to safer alternatives. Companies that fall under the Toxics Use Reduction Act are required to take training classes, report toxic chemical use and submit plans to MassDEP. They are not required to reduce toxics if it does not make economic sense.

Once companies go through the planning process, many realize that they if they switch to safer substances, they are able to reduce costs, build competitiveness and reduce risks to both workers and the environment. 

Finding Safer Substances that Work

Finding safer chemical substances that work as well as the toxic substances can  be a challenge. However, by using the Toxics Use Reduction framework, companies are able to systematically identify and evaluate the alternatives within their strategic business goals to make informed decisions. Alternatives may be chemical substitutions, modifications to processes or a product redesign.

Perkin Elmer, Salem MA, realized significant byproduct reductions through its TUR activities

A powerful tool the TURI has taken the lead in creating and testing for identifying and evaluating promising substances is called Alternatives Assessment.

Take advantage of all of the services that TURI offers - training, workshops, industry grants, research and our unique library - to adopt innovations that reduce toxic chemical use. To find safer cleaning solutions, be sure to visit the TURI Green Cleaning Laboratory.

TURI can also help you stay ahead of the curve with information about upcoming regulations in other states and countries. Visit the Chemicals Policy Resources page for more information.