Scania strives to prevent the use of hazardous substances in our own as well as in our suppliers’ manufacturing process and products. This means that we already at the beginning of a project carry out an inventory of which substances are used in the process or are part of the product. It also means that we continuously strive to phase out hazardous substances from existing processes and products. The inventory process is carried out in close cooperation with our suppliers and with the support of Scania's lists of banned and/or restricted substances.

Scania’s chemical lists detail how substances are to be specified and handled. The lists are based on the various characteristics of the substances such as toxicity, persistence and ability to bio-accumulate. The “black” list specifies substances that are prohibited in processes and products, while the “grey” list deals with substances whose use should be restricted. The listings are revised on a regular basis.

Due to technical and/or economic reasons, the use of “black” or “grey” listed substances sometimes cannot be avoided. When this happens Scania works together with the supplier to start an investigation on how to phase out the substance. If necessary, relevant safety measures are adopted.

If the use of a “black” or “grey” listed substance is necessary, an approval of exemption is required from the Forum for Chemical Support. This is a cross-functional team within Scania that provides expert assistance on chemical matters. It also administrates and revises Scania's chemical listings on a regular basis.