Policy Priorities
ERASM
ERASM is a joint research platform established by A.I.S.E and CESIO, representing the surfactants industry, which has carried out risk assessments on the impact of surfactants on the environment and human health for over 30 years.
Research projects
Research projects cover the key phases of a surfactant’s value chain and focus on the environmental fate and effects of surfactants and the consequences of exposure on human health. ERASM is recognised as a centre of excellence for innovative, independent scientific research.
Manufacturing
Research includes raw material sourcing & fundamental research on physico-chemical parameters
Human health
Research includes the development of alternative in vitro methods for assessing the effects on users
Wastewater treatment
Research includes biodegradation under aerobic/anaerobic conditions and ecological risk assessment including agricultural soil
Freshwater environment
Research includes fate and resulting concentration of surfactants in a freshwater environment and their ecological risk assessment
Marine environment
Research includes fate of surfactants in a marine environment and the ecological risk assessment in a coastal environment
ERASM’s Steering Committee is currently analysing how its research can address areas targeted by the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
Current projects include: biodegradability of surfactants under marine conditions; eye damage/ irritation (in vitro approach); and a lifecycle analysis for responsibly sourced palm oil. Once complete, research results are made widely available through scientific literature.
