Normec joins RADAR: Safe and Sustainable Innovation for the Chemical Industry

At Normec, we’re proud to be part of RADAR – a new Horizon Europe project dedicated to developing safe and sustainable aromatic compounds for use in everyday products like surfactants, flame retardants and can coatings. Together with 17 other leading partners across Europe, we’re working towards a future where chemical innovation goes hand in hand with human and environmental safety.

Why it matters

Many fossil-based aromatic compounds – such as phenols and bisphenol A (BPA) – are essential building blocks in the chemical industry, yet pose serious health and environmental risks. These substances are now recognised as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) by the European Chemicals Agency.

This is where RADAR comes in.

A smarter approach to sustainability

RADAR builds new value chains based on bio-based alternatives, applying the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework developed by the European Joint Research Centre (JRC). The project integrates early-stage safety evaluations using New Approach Methods (NAMs), machine learning for toxicity prediction, and advanced life cycle assessments – embedding safety and sustainability from the very start.

Normec’s role

As part of the RADAR consortium, Normec contributes crucial expertise in hazard and sustainability assessments. Our work supports the development of innovative compounds that are not only effective, but also safer for people and planet.

This aligns with our mission to ensure the best quality and safety, everywhere – and to help shape a more sustainable chemical industry for the future.

A collective effort

We’re proud to collaborate with a strong network of academic, industrial and regulatory partners: KU Leuven • Universität des Saarlandes • University of Groningen • DTU • Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung • University of Graz • Universidad San Jorge • Apeiron-Team • Sciensano • Syensqo • ICL Group • GECCO Biotech • allnex • Particula Group • Procter & Gamble • Normec • AB InBev • UPM

At Normec, we believe innovation should never come at the cost of safety or sustainability. Projects like RADAR prove that together, we can build a future-proof chemical sector – one that benefits both people and the planet.

RADAR is funded by the European Commission and supported by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA).