Summary of thirteen case studies

In the 13 case studies documented processes and experiences of attempts to substitute hazardous substances in the 1980s and 1990s were examined. The aim of the choice of cases was to cover a wide spectrum of substitution conditions consumer-close and consumer-remote products, product auxiliary materials and process auxiliary materials, SMEs and large-scale industiy, environment, consumer and occupational health and safety subjects, technical and organisational iimova-tions. 

The products examined in the case studies can be grouped in accordance with the usage context of the chemicals  

In the following section the aim is first of all to illustrate the link between the results of the case study documentation and the hypotheses by means of a more detailed description of four selected case studies. These selected case studies represent examples from all three groups  

In the case of metal cleaning agents these are process auxihaty agents in industrial facilities. Industrial users and manufacturers are the main actors in the substitution process. 

Plasticisers are employed as chemicals in industrial processes, remain in the product (soft PVC) and may be released from it during use. 

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