This guidance document aims to help analyse products and processes as alternatives to listed persistent organic pollutants (POPs). It primarily focuses on chemicals in Annexes A and B (intentionally produced substances) but can also aid in identifying techniques to reduce unintentional pollutant releases (Annex C). It also supports considering exemptions and measures for pollutant elimination, risk reduction and environmental protection. The guidance provides a general overview of issues related to identifying and evaluating alternatives to these pollutants and does not determine their feasibility or availability, nor does it override national/regional guidelines.
The target audience are POPRC, parties, and manufacturers/users of these chemicals seeking alternatives, stakeholders from governmental institutions, agencies, science, and representatives of environmental and agencies involved in drafting and implementing action plans. The material is also helpful for those involved in the National Implementation Plan (NIP) review and update.
Within the framework of the “Global Development, Review and Update of NIPs under the Stockholm Convention on POPs” Project to assist countries in reviewing and updating their NIP, the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) is executing Component 4, which focuses on the dissemination of information, management of knowledge and liaising with the Stockholm Convention Secretariat in providing information and tools to be integrated with existing materials and makes them easily accessible and understandable by all parties to the convention.