"Perstorp has signed a Responsible Care agreement, entailing a voluntary undertaking to minimize the risk of damage to people's health and the external environment through continual improvements within the companies," says Vice President Inge Pettersson, who also sits on the Board of CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council).
Another important aspect of this commitment entails providing information about the work being conducted in these areas. Transparency is the key and information must always be based on facts.
"Each individual has a right to know what substances are hazardous, what risks are involved and how these risks are managed. Likewise, as producers of chemicals, we have an obligation to inform. We do this by labeling our products, by informing people who work with or are likely to use our products about the risks involved and by educating affected individuals," explains Inge Pettersson, adding that, to a large extent, product labeling is regulated by law.
Responsible Care is based on eight basic criteria adopted by the ICCA (International Council of Chemical Associations). Each country then designs its own national program adapted to its individual industrial culture. The Responsible Care program is administered by the national industry association but practical implementation always takes place in the affiliated companies. At the European level, Responsible Care is administered by CEFIC, which establishes common European strategies for Responsible Care.
The industry is also responsible for pursuing product development and research relating to existing products. CEFIC is currently conducting a number of research programs aimed at "improving people's lives through a more efficient use of resources and by better understanding and managing the impact that our inventions have on the environment and on people's health."
"In our line of business, there will always be opponents, whether it be researchers or the mass media, who generate debate on various issues. Naturally, this affects the industry and may cause CEFIC to initiate research into a specific substance," says Inge, pointing out that it is in the chemical industry's best interests to be an active, leading player in terms of research into products and how they impact the environment.
CEFIC works with sector groups within various areas, such as Coating, Paints & Adhesives and Food & Feed. General issues are discussed among the sector groups, whose members comprise representatives of companies affiliated to CEFIC. There are also a number of underlying sector groups for specific issues. These groups are formed as the needs arises.
"Perstorp is represented in five different sector groups: thermosetting plastics, formalin, polyhydric alcohols, solvents and softeners. The groups provide an important forum for discussing issues that concern our responsibility as a producer of chemicals," concludes Inge.
