2002
Founding
The International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) is founded in 2002 by the Swedish offices of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Friends of the Earth, the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, and Nature and Youth. The goal is to speed up the transition to a world free of hazardous chemicals.
2003
REACH chemical regulation
The newly proposed EU chemicals regulation (REACH) becomes a top priority for ChemSec until its adoption in 2007. ChemSec advocates for stricter controls on hazardous chemicals and an emphasis on substitution, repeatedly pushing back on industry’s overestimations of economic impact.
2004
ChemSec Business Group
ChemSec establishes the ChemSec Business Group, a forum for progressive multinationals to work on substitution and push for progressive chemicals legislation. Members now include industry-leading companies such as Apple, Adidas, IKEA and H&M.
2008
The SIN List
ChemSec publishes the Substitute It Now (SIN) List, a list of chemicals that meet the REACH criteria for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) and are likely to be restricted in future. The project demonstrates what REACH could look like “without political roadblocks” and gives proactive companies a concrete target list for substitution. The EU Commission would later go on to describe the SIN List as a “major driver for innovation” in 2012.
2011
ECHA lawsuit
Together with ClientEarth, ChemSec files a legal challenge against ECHA over its refusal to disclose which companies produce or import SIN List chemicals. In 2012, ECHA starts publishing information about which companies are engaged in chemical production in the EU — a direct result of ChemSec’s push for transparency.
2012
SubsPort
ChemSec partners with three other organisations to launch SubsPort, an online tool to help identify and substitute hazardous substances in products and supply chains. This project eventually paves the way for ChemSec’s Marketplace and PFAS Guide.
2013
SIN Producers
ChemSec publishes the first SIN Producers List, identifying hundreds of companies manufacturing or importing SIN List substances, significantly increasing corporate accountability and investor relevance.
2014
SINimilarity
ChemSec introduces SINimilarity, a digital screening tool that helps companies identify chemicals structurally similar to SIN List substances. The tool helps reduce the risk of regrettable substitution and supports more robust chemicals management.
2015
Speaking at the World Economic Forum
Executive Director Anne Sofie Bäckar speaks at the CEO Summit of the International Council of Chemicals Associations during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Textile Guide
ChemSec releases the Textile Guide, a free online chemical management tool for textile supply chains, helping brands and suppliers identify and phase out hazardous chemicals.
ChemSec becomes a formal stakeholder in ECHA committees
The organisation is formally invited to, and engages in SEAC, RAC, CARACAL and Member State processes.
2017
ChemSec Marketplace
ChemSec unveils the ChemSec Marketplace, an online portal where producers of safer alternatives can advertise their solutions by substance, sector, etc. Nine years later and with +800 safer alternatives, the platform has become a key resource for industry on substitution work.
SIN List incorporated into the Dow Jones Sustainability Index
Dow Jones officially incorporates the SIN List into its Sustainability Index. Nearly 10 years after its launch, the SIN List has become one of the world’s best-known chemical standards, with endorsements from authorities, UNEP, NGOs and major corporations.
2018
Landmark lead chromate court case
ChemSec supports Sweden in its legal challenge to the EU Commission’s decision to grant authorisation for lead chromate pigments used in paints. The General Court went on to annul the weak authorisation decision, prompting concrete reform of SEAC procedures.
2020
PFAS Movement
ChemSec starts the PFAS Movement, inviting companies from around the world to publicly support stricter regulation for PFAS. Three years later, the PFAS Movement reaches 120 members, bringing the combined total revenue to over €130 billion. Members include IKEA and H&M Group, among others.
ChemScore
ChemSec launches ChemScore, a first-of-its-kind benchmarking tool and sustainability index for the world’s largest chemical producers. Over the years, ChemScore has gained credibility both among the chemical companies and the investor community.
2023
Investor Initiative on Hazardous Chemicals (IIHC)
ChemSec launches the Investor Initiative on Hazardous Chemicals (IIHC) to engage major chemical companies on hazardous chemicals and transparency. It has since evolved into one of the largest investor collaborations globally with 78 members, representing $23 trillion in assets under management or advice.
PFAS Guide
ChemSec launches the PFAS Guide, an online tool to help companies identify PFAS “hotspots” in their products and processes and get practical guidance on how to phase them out.
CFA Sweden ESG Award
ChemSec receives the CFA Sweden ESG Award for its work on “forever chemicals” in the financial sector, particularly linking PFAS risk to investment decision-making.
2024
Wrapped in Chemicals
ChemSec launches Wrapped in Chemicals, its largest-ever awareness campaign. The campaign included 25 short videos deployed across five countries, garnering nearly 20 million views and millions of unique viewers.
Outdoor Changemaker Award
ChemSec is recognised as Outdoor Changemaker of the Year for the PFAS Movement, spotlighting its influence in environmental advocacy and brand engagement on toxic chemicals.
Global media impact
ChemSec’s work is regularly referenced or quoted by influential international media, illustrating its reach far beyond the NGO sector:
The Financial Times
The FT has repeatedly cited ChemSec data — especially ChemScore findings — when reporting on PFAS liabilities, chemical industry financial risks and shifting corporate strategies. ChemSec staff have also published letters and commentary in the FT on the need to transition away from hazardous chemicals.
The Guardian & BBC
ChemSec’s PFAS cost estimates, corporate analyses, and expert commentary have formed the basis of multiple Guardian articles. This includes widely shared investigations into PFAS’s global footprint. BBC and partner outlets referenced ChemSec during cross-border PFAS investigations, enhancing public understanding of pollution “hotspots”.
Politico
Politico has covered ChemSec’s investigative and policy-relevant initiatives, including the high-profile PFAS blood test of EU leaders and early ChemScore analyses. These pieces reached policymakers, journalists and Brussels stakeholders directly.
Reuters
Reuters has incorporated ChemSec research — particularly ChemScore data — into its reporting on investor pressure, PFAS lawsuits, and global corporate trends, giving ChemSec credibility in financial reporting circuits and among multinational audiences.
ENDS Europe & ENDS Report
Over 15 years, ENDS has consistently featured ChemSec insights on REACH, authorisation debates, PFAS exemptions and emerging hazard classes. ChemSec is regularly cited as an authoritative alternative voice to industry and regulators.
Other notable mentions
Coverage in Forbes, Bloomberg, and various specialised industry outlets has amplified ChemSec’s role as a technical and advocacy leader, particularly around substitution, EDCs and PFAS.