Greenpeace’s Chemical Home database was launched in 2003 to demonstrate that the substitution of hazardous substances with safer alternatives is already happening. In many cases, the use of hazardous substances is not necessary, as suitable alternatives are already being used by innovative companies that want to be market leaders. Our database also supports the need for legislation by highlighting those companies who fail to act to phase harmful substances out of their products.This report reviews the progress that companies have made towards substitution during the life of the database. It shows that consumers can choose from many products that are already free of these substances, and that many companies have embraced the process of substitution by phasing hazardous substances out of their brands. The EU’s REACH legislation could bring substitution into the mainstream if the substitution principle were at its heart, namely, that no harmful chemical should be authorised for continued use if safer substitutes are available.