Responsible Materials and Chemicals Management Driving Circularity, Detoxification and Sustainable Industry
As part of UNIDO’s Circular Economy and Green Industry Division, the Responsible Material and Chemicals Management Unit supports governments and industries in managing chemicals and materials sustainably, driving cleaner production, innovation, and compliance with global environmental goals. Pollution Prevention and Waste Reduction Cut industrial emissions and waste through cleaner production and resource efficiency.
Alternative Materials and Chemicals Safer alternatives, smarter solutions, responsible sourcing, advancing green chemistry, and circular design and materials.
Green Industry Transition Reduce pollution and hazardous chemicals, develop circular models, eco-innovation, and green technologies.
Climate and health co-benefits Accelerate the adoption of circular, low-carbon, net-zero, resilient, pollution-free, and ecoinnovative practices and technologies.
Compliance with International Conventions Assists countries in meeting Basel, Minamata, Rotterdam, and Stockholm commitments.
Key Impact Areas 01 Implementation of Global Chemicals and Waste Agreements
Emerging global obligations on chemicals and waste require strategic responses. UNIDO assists Member States in meeting their obligations under global Agreements. The Unit focuses on large, formalized industries, leveraging its expertise to extend solutions that also mitigate industrial pollution across sectors where chemical use, waste, and pollution risks are highest.
Industries and Responsible 02 Green Sourcing Persistent hazardous chemicals and wastes undermine human health, ecosystem integrity, and the potential of the circular economy. UNIDO supports responsible material sourcing and helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt greener business practices. Through partnerships and technical cooperation, the Unit fosters cleaner production, sustainable supply chains, capacity building, and inclusive green growth.
03 Circular Value Chains and Innovation Linear, waste-intensive industrial models lock hazardous materials into supply chains, limiting reuse and circularity. UNIDO promotes innovative value chain and materials management approaches, integrating circular economy principles, process redesign, and sustainable product innovation. Through capacity building and awareness raising, the Unit drives pollution reduction, resource efficiency, and cleaner industrial transformation.
Value Chain Interventions UNIDO helps countries transition toward zero pollution and circular industry by integrating cleaner production, safer materials, and sustainable value chain practices. It connects policy, finance, and technology to achieve tangible global environmental benefits and accelerate compliance with international frameworks. Electronics Supply Chain Promote circular design, safe collection, recycling and reuse Textiles Supply Chain Transition to safer alternatives, cleaner production, and circular textile systems Construction Supply Chain Support eco-friendly life-cycle alternatives, concrete recovery from demolition waste Mining and Smelting Adopt mercury-free technologies, formalize operations and promote safer, inclusive livelihoods Global Plastics Supply Chains Advance circular systems to reduce, reuse, and prevent plastic pollution at the source
Flagship Projects and Programmes The UN Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE)
Chemicals and Wastes Financing Partnership Facility
GEMINI Programme – Mercury-Free NonFerrous Metals
Circular Construction Programme
Global Electronics Management (GEM) Program
Sustainable, resilient Tourism - iCOAST Projects
Sustainable Management of Chemicals and Wastes in Textile Supply Chains
COUNTRIES PROJECTS/ DONORS PROGRAMMES
By advancing safer chemistry, sound waste management, and circular use of materials, we not only prevent pollution and protect human health but also unlock innovation and competitiveness. At UNIDO, we support countries and industries in adopting integrated approaches that ensure materials and chemicals are managed responsibly across their life cycles, building the foundation for cleaner production, resilient economies, and a healthier planet.
Smail Alhilali Director, Division of Circular Economy and Green Industry - United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)
Vienna International Centre Wagramerstr. 5, P.O. Box 300, A-1400 Vienna, Austria +43 1 26026-0 www.unido.org unido@unido.org