materialrespons

Materialrespons is a conceptual framework within sustainability and responsible business conduct that emphasizes accountability for the materials used in products and processes throughout their life cycle. It extends beyond compliance to address the origins, handling, and end-of-life of materials, aiming to reduce environmental harm, social risks, and resource intensity.

Core components include sourcing transparency, hazard assessment, lifecycle thinking, design for disassembly and recyclability, material passport and traceability, responsible supply chain management, and clear communication with stakeholders.

Implementation and use involve policies and codes of conduct for suppliers, supplier audits, lifecycle assessments, and collaboration across value chains. It applies to electronics, automotive, construction, textiles, and packaging, and aligns with standards such as life cycle assessment, REACH, RoHS, and extended producer responsibility.

Criticism notes measurement challenges, potential for greenwashing without standardized methods, and possible increases in upfront costs. Proponents argue that materialrespons promotes safer, more recyclable materials and drives innovation toward more efficient resource use.

Materialrespons is related to sustainable procurement, circular economy, supply chain due diligence, and responsible sourcing.