About Erwan Saouter
About Dr. Erwan Saouter
I am a scientist, consultant and advisor specialising in Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD), life-cycle thinking, and chemical risk assessment.For more than two decades, I have worked at the intersection of science, policy and industry, helping organisations make rigorous, evidence-based decisions about chemicals, materials and sustainable innovation.
Today, through Net-Zero Impact and ssbd-expert.eu, I support R&D teams, industrial companies and European research consortia in navigating the scientific, regulatory and methodological challenges of sustainable chemistry.
My mission is simple: bring scientific clarity and strategic direction to the most complex sustainability questions.
Over the course of my career, I have held scientific and leadership roles across Europe, including:
- European Commission — Joint Research Centre (JRC)
From 2013 to 2019, I worked at the European Commission’s JRC, where I led work on environmental assessment methods, including:
- Expert evaluator for the European Commission
I serve as an Expert Evaluator for the Horizon Europe research programme, reviewing proposals and assessing their scientific quality, methodological robustness and alignment with European policy priorities.
This role gives me a unique perspective on what makes a successful Horizon Europe project:robust science, credible SSbD integration, realistic implementation pathways and strong impact logic.
- Industry leadership roles at Procter & Gamble
I worked at Procter & Gamble, first in the Product Safety& Regulatory department, and then in public scientific external relations. I was responsible for guiding the environmental and human safety of new ingredients and product innovations across major consumer categories.
One of my major achievements was the creation of Science-in-the-Box, the company’s first external scientific transparency platform. Based on extensive stakeholder dialogue with consumers, NGOs, scientists and policymakers, I led the development of a new communication framework that made P&G’s environmental, safety and product science openly accessible for the first time — an initiative recognised as a best-practice model for trust-building and corporate transparency.
Today, through Net-Zero Impact and ssbd-expert.eu, I support R&D teams, industrial companies and European research consortia in navigating the scientific, regulatory and methodological challenges of sustainable chemistry.
My mission is simple: bring scientific clarity and strategic direction to the most complex sustainability questions.
Over the course of my career, I have held scientific and leadership roles across Europe, including:
- European Commission — Joint Research Centre (JRC)
From 2013 to 2019, I worked at the European Commission’s JRC, where I led work on environmental assessment methods, including:
- Development of Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methods
- Advancement of chemical toxicity characterisation factors (USEtox)
- Contribution to early frameworks for what has become the EU’s Safe and Sustainable by Design concept
- Expert evaluator for the European Commission
I serve as an Expert Evaluator for the Horizon Europe research programme, reviewing proposals and assessing their scientific quality, methodological robustness and alignment with European policy priorities.
This role gives me a unique perspective on what makes a successful Horizon Europe project:robust science, credible SSbD integration, realistic implementation pathways and strong impact logic.
- Industry leadership roles at Procter & Gamble
I worked at Procter & Gamble, first in the Product Safety& Regulatory department, and then in public scientific external relations. I was responsible for guiding the environmental and human safety of new ingredients and product innovations across major consumer categories.
One of my major achievements was the creation of Science-in-the-Box, the company’s first external scientific transparency platform. Based on extensive stakeholder dialogue with consumers, NGOs, scientists and policymakers, I led the development of a new communication framework that made P&G’s environmental, safety and product science openly accessible for the first time — an initiative recognised as a best-practice model for trust-building and corporate transparency.
- Founder & Managing Director, Science & Environment (SARL)
As the founder and managing director of Science & Environment (SARL), I built and led a team of six experts supporting major international clients such as L’Oréal, Nestlé and Les Laboratoires Expanscience. Our work focused on preparing and defending REACH/ECHA registration dossiers, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring full regulatory compliance for new and existing ingredients.
Beyond regulatory science, I advised senior R&D and sustainability leaders on the integration of ecodesign principles, life-cycle thinking and sustainable product development strategies.
- Chairman, Biocomp Nepal
As Chairman of Biocomp Nepal, I supported the strategic development of an innovative social enterprise transforming organic waste into safe, high-quality compost for local agriculture. Science & Environment (S&E) committed more than 1% of its annual turnover to financially support Biocomp Nepal — a contribution that enabled the organisation to pay the salary of its local Managing Director and 15 local employees, ensuring stable livelihoods and operational continuity.
As the founder and managing director of Science & Environment (SARL), I built and led a team of six experts supporting major international clients such as L’Oréal, Nestlé and Les Laboratoires Expanscience. Our work focused on preparing and defending REACH/ECHA registration dossiers, conducting risk assessments, and ensuring full regulatory compliance for new and existing ingredients.
Beyond regulatory science, I advised senior R&D and sustainability leaders on the integration of ecodesign principles, life-cycle thinking and sustainable product development strategies.
- Chairman, Biocomp Nepal
As Chairman of Biocomp Nepal, I supported the strategic development of an innovative social enterprise transforming organic waste into safe, high-quality compost for local agriculture. Science & Environment (S&E) committed more than 1% of its annual turnover to financially support Biocomp Nepal — a contribution that enabled the organisation to pay the salary of its local Managing Director and 15 local employees, ensuring stable livelihoods and operational continuity.
I specialise in the scientific and methodological foundations required for high-impact sustainability decisions:
- Safe & Sustainable by Design (SSbD)
- LCA-based toxicity & environmental modelling (USEtox, EF/PEF)
- Chemical risk assessment & exposure science (EUSES, ECETOC-TRA)
- Planetary Boundaries for chemicals & emissions
- Sustainable chemistry innovation & design strategy
What I value
My work is grounded in:
- Rigour — decisions must be backed by sound science
- Integrity — clarity over convenience
- Transparency — honest, evidence-based recommendations
- Collaboration — working hand-in-hand with teams
Let’s work together
If your organisation is navigating complex challenges in SSbD, chemical safety, life cycle assessment or Horizon Europe, I can help you bring clarity and strategic direction.