The project, Advancing Supply Chain Transparency (SCT) for Chemicals in Products, explored SCT instruments in North America as well as globally, including policies, data sharing systems and environmental standards, to identify innovative approaches and digital tools that support the identification and disclosure of the chemical contents of goods and materials. This project was implemented from June 2023 to May 2025, with the goal of fostering collaboration between Canada, Mexico and the United States to improve SCT and enhance the ability of governments and industry to identify and prevent products containing chemicals of concern, or their substitutes, from entering or re-entering the economy.
This portal showcases the final outcomes of the project, including three case studies and an online interactive table that compiles relevant SCT regulations, tools and initiatives.
Project Summary and Recommendations
The summary highlights project activities and findings, as well as country-specific and general recommendations to foster and facilitate the implementation of supply chain transparency practices pertaining to chemical content in consumer products.
Online Catalogue of SCT Instruments, Resources and Initiatives
This interactive table brings together the most relevant resources pertaining to supply chain transparency for chemicals in consumer products, informed by research and consultations with experts. This resource can easily be browsed by country, sector or initiative, to explore policies, lists, third‑party services and global agreements.
Case Studies
20 pages February 5, 2026
Advancing Supply Chain Transparency for Chemicals in Consumer Products
The building sector faces diverse and complex challenges related to chemical transparency and health impacts....
24 pages February 5, 2026
Advancing Supply Chain Transparency for Chemicals in Consumer Products
This case study discusses advancing supply chain transparency for chemicals in the personal care and...
26 pages February 5, 2026
Advancing Supply Chain Transparency for Chemicals in Consumer Products
This case study discusses advancing supply chain transparency for chemicals in the electronics sector, focusing...
The Issue
- Human health and environmental risks are associated with the production and use of end-of-life products whose chemical content is not known to the worker, consumer, retailer or manufacturer.[1]
- Lack of transparency of chemical content in products and supply chains poses a barrier to adopting a circular economy, as chemicals of concern may be present in waste streams and in products made from recycled materials.
- Governments and industries can ensure the sound management of chemicals and the protection of human and environmental health by identifying and sharing information on chemicals in the products furnished by their suppliers.
- Companies that supply chemicals and products have a strong interest in protecting confidential business information (CBI) and intellectual property, which is a key barrier to sharing chemical ingredient information.
[1] UNEP. 2019. Global Chemicals Outlook II: From Legacies to Innovative Solutions. Accessed July 2023.
Objectives
- Identify and disseminate SCT instruments available in North America and globally, including policies, data-sharing systems and environmental standards, to support the development of innovative approaches and digital tools for identifying and disclosing chemical contents in products.
- Increase awareness of best practices for SCT, to help industry build resilient supply chains that respond to consumer demand for safer products and for information about their chemical composition.
Roadmap
Assessment of global and regional SCT instruments, practices and requirements
Targeted consultation with subject matter experts and interested parties
Case studies on SCT best practices in selected sectors
Sector-specific workshops
Recommendations on approaches for improving SCT in North America
Dissemination of project results and an online, searchable catalogue of SCT resources and instruments.
Progressing toward a circular economy relies on full disclosure of chemical contents in consumer products, including potential health and environmental risks from their production, use and end‑of‑life. Canada, Mexico and the United States have regulations and a growing interest in strengthening practices that can support informed decisions by regulators, workers, consumers, retailers and manufacturers. Many corporations, public bodies, industry groups, and global initiatives also recognize and encourage transparency practices. The project, Advancing Supply Chain Transparency for Chemicals in Products, provides an important foundation for understanding current trends, resources, drivers and barriers in this evolving landscape.
Contact
For more information about this project or to partner with us, contact:
Orlando Cabrera-Rivera
Head, Environmental Quality
(514) 350-4323