The safe use of chemical substances at the work place, in production processes and during the final use of the product is an integral part of the business strategy of most modern industries. Chemical management is frequently used to describe industry's  efforts. These start with the collection of data on the annual consumption of specific chemicals and may result in the publication of annual environmental accounts.

One of the challenges is to strive for a reduction in the use of chemicals with hazardous properties. This can sometimes be achieved simply by phasing out some of the chemicals that traditionally have been used for years. A screening of the raw materials and preparations used often shows that the more hazardous chemicals easily can be replaced by chemicals that are safer for the staff involved and less dangerous to the environment.

DHI has worked as consultant on numerous collaboration projects with industrial companies with the aim of enforcing chemical management or preparing responsive action to requirements by authorities or legislation. A newly developed DHI software ChemAssess facilitates survey, hazard assessment, (self-) classification and labelling. It also facilitates priority-setting of chemicals and preparations used in production and contained in the end-products. DHI can also prepare independent assessments of the environmental hazard of chemical substances and products, which may be used for dialogues with customers, authorities, media and other stakeholders or for documentation of compliance with internationally agreed criteria for eco-labelling (e.g. the EU Flower or the Nordic Swan).