Following the listing of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, its production and use must be eliminated. To support this transition, the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) developed guidance on alternatives to HBCD.
This document provides updated information on both chemical and non-chemical alternatives to HBCD, especially in polystyrene foam applications, evaluating their availability, cost, efficacy and environmental impact. Findings from the United States Environmental Protection Agency's comprehensive study on HBCD alternatives and assessments submitted to the European Chemicals Agency by the European industry consortium have been also included in the review of alternatives in Annexes A and B.
Within the framework of the “Global Development, Review and Update of NIPs under the Stockholm Convention on POPs” project to assist countries to review and update 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.