On 26 June 2026, the PLANETS consortium organised the second virtual internal training session on the Safety Dimension of Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD). This second training of the series of trainings in this topic began with a recap of the Session 1 (see Session 1 here), providing context for the audience and giving some basic background on the safety dimension in SSbD, as well as its aims. Session 2 focused on Tier 2 Safety Assessment, introducing computational methods for hazard, exposure, toxicokinetics, migration, and process safety within the SSbD framework.

Highlights of the workshop

Martin Himly (PLUS), leader of the training work package within PLANETS, started the training session with a recap of the first session of this series (see Session 1 here), reinforcing the concepts of hazard, exposure, and risk, and introducing the transition from qualitative Tier 1 screening to semi-quantitative Tier 2 assessment, characteristic of the intermediate assessment stage. He explained that Tier 2 relies heavily on computational models, existing databases, and New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) to efficiently fill data gaps before considering higher-tier experimental testing. The session emphasised that hazard and exposure assessments follow a tiered and iterative process, in which substances identified as problematic can be redesigned and reassessed.

Szymon Zsybel and Anita Sosnowska (QSAR Lab) discussed in silico methods for hazard assessment, as well as their regulatory aspects (i.e. the regulatory use of in silico hazard assessment), covering also relevant OECD guidelines and EC JRC recommendations for hazard assessment.

Neeraj Shandilya dived into exposure modelling, explaining why exposure assessment matters (as there is no risk if there is only a hazard and no exposure), and outlining the information an exposure assessment provides. He also covered exposure pathways, i.e. the routes by which chemicals enter the human body, and (exposed) populations (since not everyone is exposed in the same way), providing some examples of exposure scenarios and their contributing factors. He described the exposure assessment workflow and in silico exposure models, describing what they are and why they are used. He also presented some tools for performing exposure assessments, explaining when to use each one depending on the exposure scenario (e.g., Stoffenmanager, ECETOC TRA, EUSES, USEtox).

Poornima Nagesh (Radboud University) continued with exposure modelling, moving towards environmental exposure. She introduced the main fate and transport processes and showed how these are used to assess environmental exposure and impacts. She also explained how the USEtox tool can be used to assess the potential environmental and human health impacts of chemicals.

Philipp Demuth (BASF) introduced toxicokinetics (the fate of a substance in the human body, what the body does with a substance) and toxicodynamics (the effect of a substance on the human body) to explain how external exposure relates to internal (inside of the human body) exposure. He also explained how to relate the two using PBTK (Physiologically Based Toxicokinetic) modelling, which translates external exposure into internal concentrations through ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion) processes. This enables reverse dosimetry and in vitro to in vivo extrapolation (IVIVE). He also explained the input and output parameters, different PBTK models (bottom-up pharmaceutical vs. generic PBTK models), parameterisation of PBTK models, and their representation using concentration-time curves. He provided insight into a publicly accessible PBTK model called Integrated Chemical Environment, which is provided by the National Toxicology Program of from the US Department of Health and Human Services, and explained how to use the model, introduce parameters, and analyse its outcome: the plasma-concentration-time curves.

Next, Mario Wenger (PLUS) discussed the migration (degradation) and release of substances and how to determine them, using examples of food contact materials and medical devices to illustrate how to estimate chemical transfer and resulting exposure.

Finally, Ayse Ay (BASF) focussed on in chemico NAMs (New Approach Methodologies) for hazard assessment, to estimate and measure the activity of the chemical substances leakages as alternative to animal testing. She provided insight into advantages and limitations of in chemico approaches in toxicity prediction, and talked about process-related safety assessments to address the accidental release of chemical substances and reduce potential hazards. She also presented tools for carrying out such type of assessments.

The training also offered several simple, interactive exercises, involving the audience (using Mentimeter), to test their knowledge of concepts learned during the training session.

The following PLANETS partners were involved in the preparation of this training: Szymon Zdybel, Anita Sosnowska (QSAR Lab), Ayse Ay, James Cairns, Philipp Demuth (BASF), Cécile Philippot, Joséphine Steck, Nienke Ruijter, Marie Carrier (CEA), Susan Dekkers, Neeraj Shandilya (TNO), Poornima Nagesh (Radboud University), Beatriz Alfaro Serrano (BNN), and Mario Wenger, Sabine Hofer, Norbert Hofstätter, and Martin Himly (PLUS).

Training Materials – In preparation

Building on insights gained from this internal training session, PLANETS has developed external training materials for this second session of the Safety dimension of SSbD training series. These materials include:

• Training materials: Presentation slides & summary of the session
• Recording of the training session

All training materials are available in the PLANETS community on Zenodo under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence, which allows for redistribution and reuse with proper credit to the creators. You can access them here, with DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22874888.

Additionally, all recorded sessions can be viewed on the PLANETS YouTube channel.

On 19 June 2026, the PLANETS consortium organised a virtual internal training session on the Safety Dimension within Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD), as the first of a series of trainings in this topic. The session began with basic background on the safety dimension in SSbD, as well as the importance to assess both hazard and exposure. It provided an overview of the safety information provided by safety data sheets of individual materials/substances (MSDS). It navigated through hazard databases, including the Substance Information System (SIS) as an example, as well as grouping and read across approaches. Finally, the training provided insight into the role of regulatory toxicology and toxicologists in their daily praxis.

Highlights of the workshop

Martin Himly (PLUS), leader of the training work package within PLANETS, started the training session by introducing the basics of the safety dimension in SSbD: what is safety, definition of risk, when I am at risk, how exposure determines risk, factors that impact the toxicity of chemicals and materials, and relevant terminology related to safety. He also referred to Paracelsus (1493–1541), a Swiss-Austrian physician and alchemist, widely recognized as the father of toxicology, as he revolutionized the field by shifting the understanding of poisons away from superstition, establishing the foundation of modern chemical therapy and scientific toxicology. The training also offered simple interactive exercises, involving participants (using Mentimeter), to test the knowledge of the audience regarding the interpretation of toxicity of different materials.

Together with Joséphine Steck (CEA), the audience dived into chemical risk assessment and risk mitigation, the general prevention principles to mitigate a risk and the stop principles. This also covered hazard of chemical products, like identification and communication tools, essential elements of MSDS with hazard and precautionary statements, symbols, signal words, etc. The training also introduced the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) European regulation. Jointly with Cécile Philippot (CEA) and supported by Beatriz Alfaro Serrano (BNN), they guided the participants through an interactive exercise (via Mural) on information content that can be retrieved from MSDS aiming to decide on the most appropriate / less hazardous options from an offered set of paints. This was conducted by using the information provided complemented by the hazard pictograms and the labelling information.

Susan Dekkers (TNO) then introduced the participants to publicly available hazard databases, including the Substance Information System (SIS), explaining why and how to use them, and introducing concepts such as occupational exposure limits, grouping, and read-across approaches for assessing substances.

The final part of the training, provided by James Cairns (BASF), focused on the work of regulatory toxicologists in industry, highlighting their role in chemical safety assessments, regulatory compliance, dossier preparation, and the development of testing strategies that support both human health and environmental protection.

The following PLANETS partners are involved in the preparation of the entire Safety training series: Szymon Zdybel, Anita Sosnowska (QSAR Lab), Ayse Ay, James Cairns, Philipp Demuth (BASF), Cécile Philippot, Joséphine Steck, Nienke Ruijter, Marie Carrier (CEA), Susan Dekkers, Neeraj Shandilya (TNO), Poornima Nagesh (Radboud University), Beatriz Alfaro Serrano (BNN), and Mario Wenger, Sabine Hofer, Norbert Hofstätter, Martin Himly (PLUS).

Training Materials – In preparation

Building on the insights from this internal training, PLANETS has developed external training materials for the Safety dimension of SSbD. These materials include:

• Presentation slides
• Summary of the session
• Recording of the training session

All training materials are available in the PLANETS community on Zenodo under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence, which allows for redistribution and reuse with proper credit to the creators. You can access them here, with DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22872322.

Additionally, all recorded sessions can be viewed on the PLANETS YouTube channel.

On 17 April 2026, the PLANETS consortium organised a virtual internal training session on Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). The session began with an introduction to the concept, followed by an overview of MCDA methodologies, including available tools and approaches for its implementation. It also provided insights into how decision-making processes are carried out in industry, and explored the importance of integrating stakeholders’ perspectives into decision-making.

Highlights of the workshop

Martin Himly (PLUS), leader of the training work package within PLANETS, began the training session by introducing the topic, outlining its objectives and structure, and providing background information.

Carla Caldeira (SYENSQO) explained that decision making is a daily task; but it is also needed in the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD) context. She introduced the term Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM), as the collection of methods that help people make decisions according to their preferences in situations where there is more than one conflicting criterion, and gave an overview of different MCDM methods based on the nature of the decision space and the interaction between criteria. She continued describing the standards steps in a MCDM process. After that she dived into MCDA = Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (one of the MCDM methods), and its different tools and possibilities, as well when and how to apply each one. She continued with MCDA applied to SSbD, exploring several publications that deal with decision-making in safety and sustainability assessment.

Joséphine Munsch (Elkem) talked about MCDA tools in the chemical industry, giving tangible insight into how decision-making processes takes place in industries and which tools some may use.

Neeraj Shandilya (TNO) concluded the session, talking about why to include stakeholder views in the decision-making process, how to get them involved, and the benefits & challenges associated with their involvement. He also provided an overview of how these aspects will be addressed within the PLANETS project.

Martin Himly wrapped up the session highlighting the key elements of the training.

Throughout the training, interactive questions were asked via Mentimeter to engage participants and gather their opinions on various aspects of the topic.

The following PLANETS partners were involved in the preparation of this training: Carla Caldeira (SQO), Josephine Munsch (ELKEM), Neeraj Shandilya (TNO), Beatriz Alfaro Serrano (BNN), Sabine Hofer, Norbert Hofstätter, and Martin Himly (PLUS).

Training Materials – In preparation

Building on the insights from this internal training, PLANETS has developed external training materials as an introduction to MCDA. These materials include:

• Training materials: Presentation slides & summary of the session
• Recording of the session

All training materials are available in the PLANETS community on Zenodo under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence, which allows for redistribution and reuse with proper credit to the creators. You can access them here, with DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22875306.

Additionally, all recorded sessions can be viewed on the PLANETS YouTube channel.

On 6 March 2026, the PLANETS consortium organised a virtual internal training session on Digital Product Passport (DPP). The session began with an introduction to the topic, a recap of the previous DPP training (on 19.05.2025; link to report & materials), followed by an explanation of the DPP objectives, and a presentation of the EcoTrace app.

Highlights of the workshop

Martin Himly (PLUS), leader of the training work package within PLANETS, began the training session by introducing the topic, outlining its objectives and structure, and providing background information.

Cécile Philippot (CEA) then provided a more detailed introduction to the concept of DPP and explained why it is being used in the PLANETS project (to track the compliance of critical product data, share information on materials, safety and environmental impact, and support end-of-life product management). She also provided insight into where DPP is already being applied (e.g. batteries) and the future priority groups (e.g. tyres).

Rubén Gómez (AIMEN) presented the PLANETS timeline for the DPP development within the project. He also explained the DPP data model which is defined by standardisation bodies in terms of structure and by regulators, industry and product owners in terms of content. He then went on to explain how the DPP structure maps the SSbD assessment, highlighting that each life-cycle stage contributes to specific DPP elements.

Furthermore, Rubén introduced the EcoTrace app, a web-based application developed by AIMEN within the PLANETS project. It enables users to define product structures, manage DPP, set permissions and customise the UI. Rui Marinho (AIMEN) introduced the app’s DPP data model (field groups and product types), and Antonio Abadía (AIMEN) explained the app’s DPP architecture, including security and access and the implemented API.

The AIMEN team then gave a short introduction to the app, after which Rui gave a live demo to all participants.

Participants then split into several breakout groups to test the app individually, led by Rui, Rubén and Antonio.

The session concluded with an explanation of the app’s future development plans (by AIMEN), after which participants were invited to provide feedback via an interactive Menti questionnaire and in a joint discussion. This feedback will be taken into consideration for further app development before launch. Martin Himly wrapped up the session highlighting the key elements of the training.

The following PLANETS partners were involved in the preparation of this training:

Rubén Gómez, Rui Marinho, Antonio Abadía, Lucía Alonso, Vanessa Estefanía Alvear Puertas (AIMEN), Cécile Philippot (CEA), Juliette Brunet, Loélia Fohet (IPC), Beatriz Alfaro Serrano (BNN), and Martin Himly (PLUS).

Training Materials – In preparation

Building on the insights from this internal training, PLANETS has developed external training materials as an introduction to DPP. These materials include:

• Training materials: Presentation slides and summary of the session
• Recording of the session

All training materials are available in the PLANETS community on Zenodo under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence, which allows for redistribution and reuse with proper credit to the creators. You can access them here, with DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22875606.

Additionally, all recorded sessions can be viewed on the PLANETS YouTube channel.

On 16 January 2026, the PLANETS consortium organised an internal training session on Social Life Cycle Assessment (sLCA). The session began with an introduction to the topic, followed by an explanation of the goals and scope of a sLCA: what sLCA is and what is not), how to performs a social assessment, use of databases, characteristics and possible uses of a sLCA, and how to correctly interpret and visualise the results.

Highlights of the workshop

Martin Himly (PLUS), the leader of the training work package within PLANETS, started the training. He began by introducing the session and outlining its objectives, structure and background information.

Laura Magnasco (RINA) started explaining the importance of including the social dimension in Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design (SSbD), what it is, possible uses, types or categories of sLCAs, and explained the differences between social risks and social impacts. Laura provided a detailed overview of the sLCA steps: goal & scope, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and how to best perform the interpretation and visualisation of results. She explained in detail how to perform the life cycle inventory, i.e., the data collection, and the difference between performing it with questionnaires and with social databases (like PSILCA/SHDB). She also commented on the potential uses of an sLCA. Finally, she explained the differences between a social LCA (for identifying “what may happen”) and social acceptance (refers to “how people feel”).

In an interactive hands-on exercise to put the concepts given into practice, participants split into different breakout groups, moderated by Laura Magnasco (RINA), Thomas Hennequin (TNO), Stephanie Desrousseaux, Quentin Aubert (CEA) to familiarise participants with key stakeholders’ groups and impact categories in a social LCA, for the concrete example of a coffee value chain.

A short interactive Mentimeter session was used to informally evaluate the participants’ level of knowledge of sLCA, and what they understood from the training.

The following PLANETS partners were involved in the preparation of this training: Laura Magnasco, Lorenzo Canepa, Martina Riccio (RINA), Thomas Hennequin (TNO), Carla Caldeira (SQO), Loélia Fohet (IPC), Poornima Nagesh (RU), Stéphanie Desrousseaux and Quentin Aubert (CEA), Beatriz Alfaro Serrano (BNN), and Martin Himly (PLUS). We also thank Dr. R. Scholtes (TNO) for the presentation “Ethics & Data in S-LCA”, which informed content on social risks and PSILCA/SHDB, which was use for the preparation of this training, and the CISUFLO project (Grant Agreement No 101003893, TOPIC ID: H2020-SC5-2020-2).

 Training Materials – In preparation

Building on the insights from this internal training, PLANETS has developed external training materials as an introduction to LCC. These materials include:

• Presentation slides
• A PDF of the collaborative whiteboard for a social LCA exercise
• Recording of the session

All training materials are available in the PLANETS community on Zenodo under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence, which allows for redistribution and reuse with proper credit to the creators. You can access them here, with DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19473727.

Additionally, all recorded sessions can be viewed on the PLANETS YouTube channel.

On 12 December 2025, the PLANETS consortium organised an internal training session on Life Cycle Cost assessment (LCC). The session began with an introduction to the topic, followed by an explanation of the different phases of an LCC: Goal and Scope, Inventory, Impact Assessment and Interpretation. Participants learnt how to evaluate and visualise LCC results, and gained insight into the pros and cons of including this economic dimension in SSbD assessments. The discussion also covered Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) and their relevance for SSbD assessments. Participants then performed an interactive exercise on building a cost inventory using paints as a specific example.

Highlights of the workshop

Martin Himly (PLUS), the leader of the training work package within PLANETS, started the training. He began by introducing the session and outlining its objectives, structure and background information.

Loélia Fohet (ICT) then explained the importance of including the economic dimension in SSbD assessments. This economic dimension includes LCC (identifying cost hotspots) and identifying Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) (evaluating risks in the value chain). She also emphasised that a correct SSbD assessment requires consideration of all three sustainability dimensions: environmental, economic and social. Loélia then clarified what an LCC is, emphasising that it is an assessment method, not an economic cost-accounting method, related to the product under consideration.

After a short interactive Mentimeter session to evaluate the participants’ level of knowledge of LCC, Lorenzo Canepa (RINA) provided a detailed overview of the LCC steps (goal & scope, life cycle inventory, impact assessment and interpretation of results), with a focus on the stakeholders’ perspective in goal & scope. Laura Magnasco (RINA) explained life cycle inventory (LCI) data needs, the differences between LCC and LCA inventories, and provided tips on addressing missing inventory data at low TRL (e.g. CAPEX, maintenance costs, and personnel costs).

Participants then split into different breakout groups, moderated by Laura Magnasco, Lorenzo Canepa (RINA), Loélia Fohet (IPC) and Thomas Hennequin (TNO), and had the chance to build a cost inventory using a specific example relating to paints.

Finally, the pros and cons of including the economic dimension in SSbD assessments were analysed.

In the final part of the training, Laura Magnasco (RINA) discussed critical raw materials (CRM), explaining what they are, why they are important, how to evaluate them, and why they should be evaluated in SSbD assessments.

The following PLANETS partners were involved in the preparation of this training: Laura Magnasco, Lorenzo Canepa, Martina Riccio (RINA), Loélia Fohet (IPC), Thomas Hennequin (TNO), Carla Caldeira (SQO), Poornima Nagesh (RU), Stéphanie Desrousseaux (CEA), Eva Hahn (Wacker), Beatriz Alfaro Serrano (BNN), and Martin Himly (PLUS).

 Training Materials – In preparation

Building on the insights from this internal training, PLANETS has developed external training materials as an introduction to LCC. These materials include:

• Presentation slides
• A PDF of the collaborative whiteboard for a cost inventory building exercise
• Recording of the session

All training materials are available in the PLANETS community on Zenodo under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence, which allows for redistribution and reuse with proper credit to the creators. You can access them here, with DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19473437.

Additionally, all recorded sessions can be viewed on the PLANETS YouTube channel.