Innovation in responce to new regulations of materials in a life cycle, functional and holistic perspective

Innochem 2006 is a collaboration between Jotun and Håg as industrial partners, a number of their main suppliers, with strong support from the Norwegian, Nordic and European Chemical and Paint Industry. The project is directly connected to the REACH imple mentation program carried out by the EU Commission to prepare for the implementation of the new regulatory system. The main idea behind the project is to turn new regulations of chemicals (REACH) into a promoter of innovation in stead of being a threat to R&D, innovation and production of chemicals in Norway and Europe. This will be achieved through R&D directed towards: - Development of effective analytic models and documentation systems for chemicals and chemical preparations and articles - Develo pment of software tools connected to existing data systems for safety data sheets (Chemmate) and life cycle assessment of products (Simapro) through partnership with two leading interational software suppliers - Integration of the methods and tools in pr oduct development and strategy development processes in Jotun and Håg - Introduction of the documentation systems in the Innovation process so that new products will be developed with chemicals, preparations and chemical articles that will meet the new re gulations and thus have a high competitive strength compared to conventional products. The R&D activities will be carried out by Jotun, Håg, Østfold Research Foundation (STØ) and Norwegian Water Research Institute (NIVA) in collaboration with University of Oslo(UiO) and Trondheim (NTNU) and Aalborg University through two Ph.D. programs.