International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) Responsible Care Status Report, December, 1996.



Executive Summary
Status Report
Annex I
Annex II
Annex III
Annex IV
Annex V

Executive Summary


In response to a request made at the Round Table Meeting of Ministers and chemical industry Chief Executive Officers (Stockholm, January 15-16, 1996), the global chemical industry, as represented by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), wishes to present a status report on the worldwide implementation of the Responsible Care initiative.

Responsible Care is the trademark name for the chemical industry's voluntary, global initiative to realize its commitment to continuous improvement in all aspects of environmental, health, and safety (EHS) performance and to openness in communication about its activities and its achievements.




Status Report


Background

Responsible Care(1) is an initiative developed and adopted by chemical companies to improve continuously environmental, health and safety (EHS) performance of their operations and products in a manner responsive to the concerns of the public. Responsible Care was first adopted as a new model for the management of chemicals by the Canadian Chemical Producers Association (CCPA) in 1985 and has since been adopted by chemical associations and their members in an additional 39 nations. Responsible Care is the basis of significant cultural change within the chemical industry which is leading to improved performance and new levels of openness with the public.

The global chemical industry plays an important role in modern society by contributing to the solution of human problems ranging from hunger, sickness and sanitation to housing, transportation and leisure. The processes and products that deliver these benefits often have properties with the potential for harm to health and the environment if they are not managed properly. As a result, the public has concerns about the products and operations of the industry. The industry recognizes that, in decades past, there have been real problems with its environmental performance, but major strides have been made since then. Through the implementation of Responsible Care, the chemical industry, led by the Chairmen and CEOs of companies, has delivered improved EHS performance and new levels of responsiveness to the public's concerns about chemical risk reduction.

Responding to Agenda 2

The global chemical industry, as represented by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) (See Annex 1 for information on the ICCA and its Responsible Care Leadership Group), views Responsible Care as a practical and visible tool for meeting its obligation to manage safely the risks associated with the ever-widening range of chemical production and products. Agenda 21 (Chapter 19.8) encourages the development and promotion of Responsible Care and its attendant product stewardship activities. The chemical industry has responded by expanding the reach of Responsible Care to 40 countries which account for approximately 86 percent of the world's chemical production. In each case, the initiative is sponsored by a nation's leading chemical trade association representing both domestic and multinational chemical producers. Participating chemical companies in each country commit themselves to adhere to the Responsible Care Guiding Principles which state that a company will manage its activities so that they represent an acceptably high level of protection for the health and safety of employees, customers and the public and for the environment. Furthermore the companies will reflect these commitments in their policies and practices.

The growth and integrity of Responsible Care is guided by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and its Responsible Care Leadership Group. Through the Leadership Group, the ICCA has identified certain fundamental features of Responsible Care which must be present in each national association's initiative(See Annex 2 for information on the ICCA's Fundamental Features of Responsible Care). The Responsible Care fundamental features are intended to ensure global consistency of the initiative for the chemical industry and for its stake-holders. It is the view of the ICCA that effective implementation of the fundamental features by an association and its members will lead to improved EHS performance, risk reduction, increased influence of interested parties' views within the industry and the spread of the Responsible Care ethic both within and outside the chemical industry.

Collective Action to Reduce Risk

Managing risk has been a role traditionally addressed by individual companies working alone or with their stakeholders to comply with regulatory requirements. Individual companies have made progress in reducing chemical risk. In some cases, however, a company's actions were limited to localized improvements or failed to meet standards required by regulators or the expectations of the public. Additionally, company and industry innovation and flexibility in addressing chemical risk management has often been hampered by government command-and-control regulatory pressures. In the developed world, purpose-designed and well-enforced laws and regulations focusing on solely end-of-the-pipe solutions can cause industry to devote scarce resources to meeting only minimum requirements in order to avoid penalties and legal actions. In developing countries, enforcement of laws and regulations is often hampered by a lack of resources and uncertainty about what is expected of individual companies.

Implementation of Responsible Care by a national chemical association transforms the traditional view of risk management from an individual company activity to the responsibility of a group of like-minded companies representing significant segments of a nation's chemical production. These companies seek broad-based performance improvement, reduction of risk and the establishment of best management practices. Factors driving this new mind-set, which leads to a public commitment by a national chemical trade associations' members to Responsible Care, includes:

 

Because of this belief in benefits of collective action, the chemical industry has made significant progress in reducing its impacts on human health and the environment.

Results

Since the early 1990s, many of the national chemical associations implementing Responsible Care have begun to collect EHS data from their members to measure the positive impact on performance. While the amount of EHS performance data varies between countries, positive trends are beginning to emerge wherever Responsible Care is being implemented (See Annex 3 for information on each national association's Responsible Care activities).

In addition to the positive trend in process- and product- related performance results, the chemical industry has made a concerted effort to respond to the challenges outlined in Agenda 21's Chapter 19. These efforts include risk reduction efforts - many of which were underway prior to Agenda 21 - at the company, association and international level. In many cases these risk reduction efforts have been conducted with the participation of customers, suppliers and other stakeholders within the chemical distribution chain.

 

Specific examples of the global chemical industry's efforts to manage chemical risk on a collective basis through Responsible Care include:

 

Although far from comprehensive, the results and activities listed above reflect a general trend within associations which have adopted Responsible Care (See Annex 5 for information on additional Responsible Care references) As more national chemical associations collect performance data as part of their Responsible Care programs, their member companies will be subject to greater performance expectations from their peers and outside stake-holders.

This in turn will lead to greater performance improvements which are best achieved through full implementation of Responsible Care. Currently, more than half of the associations implementing Responsible Care are collecting EHS performance data. Many associations are only beginning to identify performance indicators for future use. The ICCA fully expects EHS performance results in these countries to mirror the progress being made in those countries where the data is already being reported.

 

Why Responsible Care?

The global chemical industry has embraced Responsible Care because it is viewed as both "good citizenship" and a positive impact on companies' economic bottom line. For the individual company, implementation of Responsible Care leads to improved efficiency, lower EHS costs and improved relations with stakeholders. For the global chemical industry, successful implementation of Responsible Care demonstrates an appropriate public policy which protects its license to operate and its ability to innovate and meet society's demands for its products. For the public, successful implementation of Responsible Care, ensures that the chemical industry will continue to provide beneficial products for society and continually reduce its negative impacts on human health and the environment.


External Recognition

The chemical industry's success with Responsible Care has led to its recognition at the 1992 UNCED meeting in Rio, by the IFCS at numerous forums, by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in its Code of Ethics for the International Trade of Chemicals and by President Clinton's Council on Sustainable Development. Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry's Council for Chemical Safety recognized Responsible Care as an example of an effective, voluntary initiative which, in combination with regulations, can promote chemical safety. In addition, individual chemical companies have received recognition at the national and local level for their efforts under Responsible Care to reduce risk and promote product stewardship.

In recent years, Responsible Care has also become a model for other industries or institutions which seek voluntary approaches to performance improvement and openness with stake-holders. In New Zealand, Responsible Care 's value is demonstrated by the adoption of the initiative by significant segments of the nations' public and private sectors including the armed forces. In the United States, the Department of Energy has recognized Responsible Care as an effective means of reducing chemical risks and is encouraging adoption of the initiative by its facility contractors.

 

Accountability

One of the key tenets of Responsible Care is openness and responsiveness to public and other stakeholder concerns about the management of chemicals. As a result, the chemical industry has a keen appreciation of the need to seek input from the public and other interested groups, include this input into its development of policy, and report on its progress in meeting these expectations.

National Audiences

Following an example pioneered by the Canadian Chemical Producers Association (CCPA), a number of national chemical associations have created National Advisory Panels to provide public input into the development and implementation of Responsible Care. These panels ensure that the performance expectations of interested groups are a part of industry planning processes. Formal national Responsible Care panels are now also sponsored by the U.S. Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA) and the Australian Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association (PACIA).

The Japan Chemical Industries Association (JCIA) sponsors a panel of experts to provide input to its members on EHS issues while The Netherlands' Vereniging van de Nederlandse Chemische Industrie (VNCI) has created a Board Advisory Panel to provide similar information to its leadership. A number of other associations are now in the process of forming national advisory panels as part of their Responsible Care programs. Many other countries seek out public and other stakeholders views through discussions with "opinion formers," such as the case of the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) in the United Kingdom. By this process, the associations receive independent national advice on health, safety and environmental issues.

Local Audiences

In addition to these national advisory processes, individual chemical companies have realized the essential need for local community dialogue concerning their production and distribution facilities. A growing number of formal and informal mechanisms are being established by chemical companies around the world to foster dialogue with local communities. One successful example of company-community dialogue is the local Community Advisory Panel. This local version of the National Advisory Panel provides input to chemical facility management and reinforces the local facility's accountability to the community in which it operates. In cases where panels do not yet exist, facility managers seek outside parties' input through other forums such as meetings with local leaders, open houses or progress reports to the media. One example of this willingness to dialogue with communities occurred in Italy, where more than 70 chemical plants were visited by more than 50,000 people in an "Open Factories Week" in October 1995. Australia's biennial "Open Door Weekends" have hosted more than 30,000 visitors at 50 member company manufacturing sites.

Reporting our Results

As part of their Responsible Care commitment, participating companies and their trade associations report performance data to the public. This voluntary reporting provides the public with specific, meaningful data on the industry's EHS performance and demonstrates the industry's commitment to exceeding public expectations. Examples of these voluntary reports include: "Indicators of Performance" by the U.K. Chemical Industries Association (CIA) which includes information on worker safety, emissions, waste releases, environment-related spending and community complaint processes; CCPA's annual "Emissions Inventory and Five Year Projections" which has been identified by Environment Canada as a "model for other industries to follow;" and the Australian Plastics and Chemical Industries Association' (PACIA) which is moving towards a series of performance indicators developed by a team of industry and public participants including a "Survey of Local Community Advisory Panel Satisfaction." PACIA reports that local panels have increased by 50 percent in two years and most panelists are "moderately to well satisfied with the industry's progress." The number and scope of association reports and individual company reports continues to expand to meet public expectations.

Verification

The chemical industry is further demonstrating its accountability by voluntarily including the public in programs to verify companies' implementation of Responsible Care. In several countries, members of the public, working with industry experts, are reviewing companies implementation of Responsible Care in an effort to promote continuous EHS improvement and build credibility among key audiences. ICCA has recognized the importance of Responsible Care verification by recently adding it to its list of Fundamental Features. (see Annex 4)

 

Future challenges

Despite Responsible Care 's many successes, the global chemical industry, as represented by ICCA, acknowledges that many challenges remain. The industry must continue to improve performance and increase its collection and dissemination of these results as a means of accountability to its stakeholders. Currently Responsible Care performance data reporting exists in many countries, but stakeholder expectations for industry reporting continue to rise. Future performance measures must be meaningful to stakeholders and demonstrate and deliver on the industry's commitment to continuous EHS improvement.

In addition to its focus on performance measures, the ICCA will pursue the goal of Responsible Care verification within its member associations. This will allow chemical companies to confirm their commitment to, and progress in, implementing Responsible Care. As other forms of auditing and verification such as ISO-14001 and EMAS are adopted, ICCA members will strive to integrate their verification processes with these useful standards and programs.

The ICCA and its member associations face a continuing challenge of spreading the ethic of Responsible Care to all sectors of the chemical industry. Currently, Responsible Care is being implemented in 40 nations which account for approximately 86 percent of the world's chemical production. Within these nations, the percentage of chemical production by companies implementing Responsible Care varies from 20 to 90 per-cent of total national production. The percentage of chemical production covered by Responsible Care continues to grow and is driven by peer pressure within chemical trade associations and by the positive performance achievements realized through implementation of the initiative.

The goal of the ICCA is to extend the initiative to an ever-increasing number of chemical companies around the world to include as much of the world's production of chemicals as possible under the umbrella of Responsible Care. Through Responsible Care Partnerships, the ICCA intends to spread the ethic to customers, suppliers and allied industries which produce, use or transport chemicals. Partnerships will allow chemical companies to extend their knowledge of chemical risk management to other sectors, thus improving overall product stewardship.

The global chemical industry intends to use Responsible Care as proof that voluntary industry initiatives which focus on flexibility and innovation can complement successfully appropriate regulation to succeed where command-and-control regulatory schemes have failed. Resource-strapped governments in both the developed and developing worlds are seeking new paradigms for environmental protection. Responsible Care is a partial answer to this search. Through this initiative which is based on the implementation of best management practices, continuous EHS improvement and accountability to the public's and other interested parties' expectations, the chemical industry will continue to make progress in reducing chemical risks while maintaining its economic viability.


Conclusions

The past twelve years have seen significant changes in the chemical industry. Because of Responsible Care, all types of chemical companies have publicly committed themselves to responsible EHS management. That commitment is changing the industry culture and affecting the industry's stakeholders in the form of reduced emissions to the environment, improved emergency response, fewer transportation mishaps, improved outreach and communication, safer working conditions and overall reduced risk. These improvements are not restricted to one part of the world, but are occurring wherever Responsible Care is being implemented.

The ICCA believes that Responsible Care is a proven, effective means of achieving superior EHS performance. The ICCA seeks IFCS consideration of Responsible Care as a model for voluntary industry efforts to promote chemical risk management and, thereby, to help fulfill the objectives identified in Agenda 21's Chapter 19. The ICCA further seeks national governments' understanding of the work we are doing and of the major importance of voluntary industry initiatives to complement and, where appropriate, replace regulation and thereby protect human health and the environment.

(1) Responsible Care® is a registered mark of the Chemical Industry

 

Annex I

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA)

Council Description

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) is a council of leading trade associations representing chemical manufacturers world-wide. ICCA members include associations from the North American Council of Chemical Associations : La Associacion Nacional de la Industria Quimica (ANIQ), Mexico, the Canadian Chemical Producers' Association (CCPA), Canada, and the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA), USA; from Latin America : O Conselho das Associações da Indústria Quimica do Mercosul (CIQUIM); from Japan : the Japan Chemical Industry Association (JCIA); from Australasia : the Plastics and Chemicals Industries Associations (PACIA), Australia, and the New Zealand Chemical Industry Council (NZCIC); from Europe, the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), through which the 22 national trade associations of European countries participate in ICCA.

The ICCA provides a forum for regular meetings of executives from the member associations to discuss policy issues of international interest to the chemical industry. In addition, the ICCA may make policy statements or develop programs where consensus is reached among the council's member associations. The purpose of the ICCA is to exchange views among members, to coordinate action by council members, and to present an international chemical industry view to organisations. Such organisations would primarily be inter-governmental agencies (e.g., GATT/WTO, IMO, UNEP, OECD) and international private organisations (e.g., the International Standards Organisation, ISO). Policy issues of international significance to the chemical manufacturing industry form the agenda of the ICCA. Such issues include health, safety, and the environment; international transport safety; intellectual property; trade policy; and, industry efforts to eliminate chemical weapons and diversion to illegal drugs. The ICCA will not deal with trade missions or business promotion activities.

ICCA promotes and co-ordinates Responsible Care and other voluntary chemical industry initiatives. Responsible Care is the registered trade/service mark which denotes the chemical industry's international and voluntary commitment to continuous improvement of performance in health, safety and environmental protection.

The ICCA meets twice yearly. One meeting will include the chief executives of the council's member associations. The second meeting will include the chief executives plus leading corporate executives from council associations, usually the elected officers of the association; ICCA meetings are hosted by council members and held at various locations throughout the world. Administrative work to support the ICCA is performed by the Council Secretary, a responsibility that moves between associate members at two-year intervals. The current ICCA Secretary (1996) is Fred Webber of the CMA (Hugo Lever of CEFIC in 1997/1998).

 

The ICCA Responsible Care Leadership Group

Background

Since its initial launch in Canada in 1985, the chemical industry's Responsible Care initiative has developed in many ICCA and non-ICCA countries with various cultures, legislative frameworks and a variety of pressure from public opinion. In addition, the companies implementing Responsible Care are of differing sizes, cultures, geographical coverage and management styles. Moreover, Responsible Care is now attracting the attention and interest of non-chemical companies and trade associations.

Such developments run the risk that Responsible Care will be diverted from its initial objectives and principles. The officers of the ICCA therefore decided, at their meeting on 5 October 1991, to establish a Responsible Care Leadership Group with the following Terms of References:

Membership

Annex II

Responsible Care Fundamental Features Criteria for Associations

Introduction and Explanation

Responsible Care is an initiative developed and adopted by chemical industry associations to improve the health, safety and environmental performance of their member company operations and products and the level of community involvement and awareness of the industry.

The Fundamental Features describe the required components of Responsible Care. These can be tailored to meet the specific culture and needs of the country implementing the ethic. The criteria associated with each stage of implementation of the features are given in accompanying chart. These have been defined by the ICCA Responsible Care Leadership Group to assist the primary national chemical associations in their effort to reliably and consistently assess the stage of their implementation of each feature.

An association will be deemed to have reached a stage when it is operating in compliance with substantially all of the criteria. Complete satisfaction of all criteria is not required for placement in that stage.

The involvement and support of a company's Chief Executive Officer is critical to the establishment of overall Responsible Care ethic within an organization. In this context the CEO is defined as the most senior management person operating in the country.

Community involvement is desirable as early as practicable in the establishment of each fundamental feature because it will improve the relevance of processes introduced and because it contributes directly to the accomplishment of a primary Responsible Care objective.

It is not necessary to proceed at the same pace through the stages of each feature. Implementation of Guiding Principles and Name and Logo protection will usually precede and Verification will often lag the implementation of other features. The implementation schedule overall can reflect the unique culture and situations of the country.

Protection of the global integrity of Responsible Care is a key ICCA objective. Consequently early attention to protection of its name and logo by the association is encouraged.

Fundamental Features Criteria

Feature Summary Initiating Developing Implementing
The association is considering a plan or program to implement the feature, but has not yet begun to implement it. The association is in the midst of developing a plan or program that establishes the feature. The association has completed the development of the plan or program to establish the feature and has in place the persons and/or processes necessary to maintain the feature and proceed with its continuous improvement.
Feature Summary Initiating Developing Implementing
1. Guiding Principles
 
  • Responsible Care board leadership group formed
  • Member interest / support surveyed
  • Commitment mechanism decided
  • Intentions communicated internally to ICCA
  • International models reviewed by leadership group.
  • Working party formed and meeting
  • International models reviewed
  • Draft guiding principles published
  • Feedback from members being received
  • Viable level of CEO support confirmed
  • Agreed guiding principles confirmed by association board
  • Document distributed to all CEOs.
  • Signed commitments (or alternative) being returned by CEOs.
  • Follow up on outstanding members commenced.
  • Member company contacts / coordinators appointed.
Feature Summary Initiating Developing Implementing
2. Name, Logo
Adoption of a title and logo which clearly identify national programs as being consistent with and part of the concept of Responsible Care.
  • International standard reviewed by the leadership group.
  • Name and logo adopted as appropriate.
  • Intentions communicated internally to ICCA and feedback obtained.
  • Rules for use of name and logo developed by working group.
  • Rules adopted by the leadership group.
  • Rules communicated to member companies.
  • Name and logo in routine use.
  • Member companies observing established rules.
  • Observance monitored.
  • Only members of association are using Responsible Care name and logo.
Feature Summary Initiating Developing Implementing
3. Codes, Guides
A series of Codes, Guidance notes or Checklists to assist companies to implement the commitment of Responsible Care to achieve continuous health, safety and environmental improvements.
  • International models reviewed by leadership group or working party.
  • Mechanisms to be used formulated.
  • Working party to establish overall structure formed and meeting.
  • Member companies surveyed on draft proposals.
  • Process for input from interested parties defined.
  • Draft timetable published..
  • Code structure (or equivalent) confirmed by CEOs.
  • Individual code working groups established and meeting as appropriate.
  • Draft codes or guidance developing and published in accordance with timetable.
  • Member company feedback obtained.
  • Interested party inputs incorporated as per agreed process.
  • Codes / guide published to timetable.
  • Training sessions for member company coordinators held.
  • Code or guidance implementation by members in progress.
  • Mechanisms in place for intercompany sharing of experience.
Feature Summary Initiating Developing Implementing
4. Indicators
The progressive development of indicators against which improvements and performance can be measured.
  • International models reviewed by leadership group or working party.
  • Mechanisms to be used formulated.
  • Interested party issues / input included.
  • Member companies surveyed on draft proposals.
  • Draft timetable published.
  • Appropriate working parties formed.
  • Draft indicators agreed by member CEOs and interested parties.
  • Timetable for implementation agreed.
  • Member companies informed.
  • Indicator reporting mechanisms agreed.
  • Training for member companies conducted.
  • Indicator measurements commenced by members to the timetable.
  • Indicator reporting commenced.
  • Continued interested parties comments obtained.
  • Indicators part of company sharing discussions.
  • Indicators made public.
Feature Summary Initiating Developing Implementing
5. Communications
An on-going association and member company process of communication on health, safety and environmental matters with interested parties inside and outside the membership.
  • International models reviewed by leadership group or working party.
  • Mechanisms to be used formulated.
  • Process for formal input from external interested parties including government established.
  • Special consideration given to local community input / concerns.
  • Member companies surveyed / informed.
  • Media relationships considered.
  • External interested party input process functioning.
  • Proposals for local communication formulated.
  • Member company CEO agreement obtained.
  • Training for member companies conducted.
  • Pilot trials of local communications commenced.
  • Target timetables / milestones set.
  • Government kept informed.
  • Media appropriately involved.
  • Interested party input process reviewed and updated as appropriate.
  • Implementation of local processes proceeding to targets.
  • Regular feedback from interested parties obtained. Issues addressed.
  • Government reaction monitored and addressed.
  • Media contact maintained.
  • Responsible Care communications are part of company communications strategy.
  • Internal and external feedback or surveys of Responsible Care awareness being obtained by most companies or by association.
Feature Summary Initiating Developing Implementing
6. Sharing
Provision of forums in which company CEO and Responsible Care coordinators can share views and exchange experiences on implementation of the commitment.
  • Leadership group meeting regularly.
  • International models reviewed by the leadership group.
  • Mechanisms to be used formulated.
  • Member company input obtained.
  • Appropriate working parties and peer review groups established.
  • Sharing mechanisms agreed.
  • Timetable for meetings established.
  • Company Responsible Care coordinators fully trained and functioning.
  • Regular CEO and Responsible Care coordinator sharing meetings held.
  • Newsletter / communications commenced. Feedback obtained.
  • Regional steering groups considered.
  • Mutual aid / mentor partnerships considered.
  • Specific issue working groups established.
  • Participation in international industry sharing arrangements undertaken.
Feature Summary Initiating Developing Implementing
7. Encouragement
Consideration of how best to encourage all association member companies to commit and participate in Responsible Care.
  • International models reviewed by the leadership group.
  • Mechanism to be used drafted with emphasis on positive incentives and benefits.
  • Possible encouragement and sanction considered.
  • Member company input obtained.
  • Working group established to recommend incentives / sanctions.
  • Criteria for implementation of incentives / sanctions established.
  • Positive incentives / benefits emphasized.
  • Performance indicators and criteria for dealing with poor performance communicated to CEOs.
  • Performance indicators monitored for both high and low performers.
  • Mechanisms are in place to recognize high performers and assist less advanced companies.
  • Processes for dealing with persistent poor-performers in place.
Feature Summary Initiating Developing Implementing
8. Verification
Systematic procedures to verify the implementation of the measurable (or practical) elements of Responsible Care by the member companies.
  • International certification models and ICCA guidelines reviewed by leadership group.
  • Mechanisms to be used formulated.
  • Member company input obtained.
  • Interested party inputs obtained.
  • Verification procedures meeting ICCA guidelines are drafted.
  • Member companies surveyed on draft proposals and trials underway.
  • Timetable for implementation of verification procedures decided.
  • Verification (internal or external) procedures in use.
  • Verification results used to continually improve Responsible Care implementation efforts.
  • Verification results communicated by companies or association to interested parties.

 

Annex III

National Reports

Please select a country of your choice:

Argentina Australia Austria Belgium
Brazil Canada Chile Czech Republic
Denmark Finland France Germany
Greece Honk Kong Hungary India
Ireland Italy Japan Malaysia
Mexico The Netherlands New Zealand Norway
Peru Philippines Poland Portugal
Singapore Slovak Republic South Africa South Korea
Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey
United Kingdom United States Zimbabwe  

Introduction

This annex contains profiles of each national Responsible Care initiative. The profiles include information about association activities for five of the International Council of Chemical Associations' Responsible Care Fundamental Features [See Annex 2 for information on the Fundamental Features]. These five Fundamental Features are:

Additional information about each national Responsible Care initiative can be obtained by contacting the sponsoring association listed in the profiles.

ARGENTINA

Camara de la Industria Quimica y
Petroquimica - CIQyP
Av. L.N. Alem 1067,
Piso 14 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Contact: Dr. Nelson Culler
Tel 54 1 311 7732
Fax 54 1 312 4773
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Community Awareness and Emergency Response Code - Pollution Prevention Code - Process Safety Code - Distribution Code - Employee Health and Safety Code -Product Stewardship Code

2. Indicators of performance

Self-evaluations are collected from members to track Code implementation progress - Lost time injuries -Transportation incidents - Environmental incidents - Quantity of emissions and wastes - Energy consumption

3. Communication with interested parties

Communication programs on Responsible Care have been conducted with government authorities, NGOs, community and industrial groups. The association has launched a survey of member companies to test employee knowledge and opinion of Responsible Care.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Regular meetings of Responsible Care Coordinators are held with the issuance of a new Code or feature of the initiative. Monthly meetings of the association's Environmental Committee are used to track Responsible Care implementation progress and identify best practices.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not an obligation of membership. Approximately 80 companies representing 60 percent of the association's members are implementing Responsible Care. Peer pressure and the communication of Responsible Care's benefits are the primary means of encouraging companies to commit to the initiative.

AUSTRALIA

Plastics and Chemicals Industries
Association - PACIA
Royal Domain Ctr., 4th Floor,
380 St. Kilda Rd., Melbourne, Australia
Contact: Jim Smith
Tel 61 39 699 6299
Fax 61 39 699 6717
Adopted Responsible Care in 1989

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Community Awareness and Emergency Response Code -Waste Management Code - Manufacturing Code -Warehousing and Storage Code - Product Stewardship Code - Community Right to Know Code - Research and Development Code - Transportation Code

2. Indicators of performance

Self-evaluations are collected from members to track Code implementation progress - Employee Health Surveys -Injuries/Fatalities - Emissions Reductions - Energy Use -Environmental Expenditures - Plant Incidents - Transport Incidents - Community Satisfaction Local Community Panel Effectiveness

3. Communication with interested parties

PACIA sponsors a National Community Advisory Panel made up of external stakeholders who review and provide input on Responsible Care. Individual companies have established more than 30 local advisory panels in the communities where they operate. PACIA members sponsor open door days at facilities which have attracted more than 30,000 visitors in recent years. Members also participate in more than 200 community briefings each year and support a number of educational programs in Australia. PACIA's Communications Network presents key industry messages on Responsible Care and other environment, health and safety issues to the public.

4. Mutual assistance forums

PACIA sponsors regular CEO/Responsible Care Coordinators meetings for the exchange of implementation information and best practices. The association provides courses on Dangerous Goods/Hazardous Substances issues. PACIA sponsored 40 training courses on Code content, obligations and skills for compliance in 1996. Briefings at manufacturing sites on implementing Responsible Care are held regularly. External verification of Code compliance serves as a tool for assisting members in improving their Responsible Care implementation.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is an obligation of membership in PACIA. PACIA's members represent 75 percent of Australian chemical sales.

AUSTRIA

Fachverband der Chemischen Industrie
Österreichs - FCIO
Wiedner Hauptstrasse 63, Postfach 325,
A-1045 Wien 4, Austria
Contact: Franz Latzko
Tel 43 1 50105 3367
Fax 43 1 50206 280
Adopted Responsible Care in 1991

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Betriebsspezifisches Umweltschutzkonzept (Guidance Document) - Sicherheit im Chemiebetrieb (Guidance Document) - Betriebsspezifisches Abfallkonzept (Guidance Document) - Fragenkatalog zur Betriebsüberprüfung im Rahmen von Responsible Care (checklist)

2. Indicators of performance

There are currently no association-wide performance measures.

3. Communication with interested parties

In addition to company and association outreach efforts to government and the general public, FCIO published a new Responsible Care progress report in 1996. The report provided Responsible Care companies an opportunity to publish individual environmental, health and safety success stories. Individual companies also host open-door days at facilities.

4. Mutual assistance forums

FCIO sponsors an annual Responsible Care Workshop for its members. A Responsible Care steering group meets 5-6 times each year as does a Responsible Care technical working group. The objective of these groups is to improve Responsible Care implementation and ensure the use of best practices in the industry.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not an obligation of membership in FCIO. Approximately 10 percent of the membership is participating in the initiative. This represents 40 percent of the Austria's chemical production. Peer pressure and other forms of encouragement are used to recruit companies to participate in Responsible Care. FCIO has developed a process which allows a company to complete a joint Responsible Care and EMAS (European Union Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) audit. If the process is recognized by the Austrian environmental authorities, more companies are expected to participate in the Responsible Care Initiative.

BELGIUM

Fédération des Industries Chimiques de
Belgique - FIC
Square Marie-Louise 49,
B - 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Contact: Claire Bosch
Tel 32 2 238 97 11
Fax 32 2 231 13 01
Adopted Responsible Care in 1991

Program Description

1.Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Environment (Guidance Principles) - Process Safety of Safety Products (Guidance Principles) - Transport and Distribution (Guidance Principles) - Communications (Guidance Principles) - Environmental Management Systems (Checklist) - Code of Practices for the Rubber Industry - Code of Practices for Industrial Gases

2. Indicators of performance

Investments and Costs of Environmental & Safety Measures - Water Discharge: COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand), nitrogen, phosphorous, metals, materials in suspension - Air Emissions: SO2, NOx - Waste Production: valorization, landfill - Accident Ratings

3. Communication with interested parties

Local advisory panels consisting of community stakeholders have been established by some companies. Open door days are a popular method of outreach to the public. More than 70 companies sponsored open door days in 1995 hosting 90,000 visitors. Many companies are publishing environmental reports for the public.

4. Mutual assistance forums

FIC has established a number of Responsible Care committees which promote the initiative and provide opportunities for the sharing of best practices. Several Product Stewardship seminars and training courses have been sponsored for the membership. Regional mutual assistance groups have been established by the association to assist small and medium size companies. Responsible Care managers of FIC companies meet regularly as part of the Responsible Care National Commission.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

More than 97 percent of FIC members have signed the commitment.

BRAZIL

Assoçião Brasileira de Industria Quimica e

de Produtos Derivados - ABIQUIM
Rua Santo Antonio 184/18 andar,
Sao Paulo SP, Brazil CEP 01314-900
Contact: Marcelo Kos Silveira Campos
Tel 55 11 232 1144
Fax 55 11 232 0919
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Dialogue with the Community - Emergency Preparedness and Response - Environment Protection - Process Safety - Transport and Distribution - Employee Health and Safety - Product Stewardship

2. Indicators of performance

Self-evaluations are used to track Code implementation progress. The association is considering the development of a series of performance measures.

3. Communication with interested parties

Open door days and other outreach programs have been sponsored at the local level. The association held a regional Responsible Care workshop for Latin America in May 1995. An annual Responsible Care seminar for industry and other interested parties is planned. Individual companies have created community advisory panels. A national advisory panel is planned.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Eleven local cells have been established where members can address Responsible Care implementation and share best practices. These cells are supported by the association's Executive Leadership and Technical Committees. Seminars on different aspects of Responsible Care and other environment, health and safety issues are held for the membership.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 70 percent of the association's members are implementing Responsible Care. These companies represent approximately 85 percent of Brazil's chemical sales. When Responsible Care has been adopted by 90 percent of the membership, it will become obligatory for all members. Currently, peer pressure is the primary means of encouraging members to commit to Responsible Care.

CANADA

Canadian Chemical
Producers' Association - CCPA
350 Sparks Street, Ottawa,
Ontario K1R 7S8, Canada
Contact: Brian Wastle
Tel 1 613 237 6215
Fax 1 613 237 4061
Adopted Responsible Care in 1985

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Community Awareness and Emergency Response Code - Research and Development Code - Manufacturing Code - Transportation Code - Distribution Code - Waste Management Code

2. Indicators of performance

Emissions to Air - Emissions to Water - Transportation Incidents - Worker Safety

3. Communication with interested parties

CCPA maintains a national advisory panel made up of external parties who provide input and review for Responsible Care. Individual companies sponsor similar groups at the community level. Outreach includes open door days, publications with performance data, workshops and seminars for the public and interaction with government bodies. A Chemical Referral Center exists to answer questions about chemicals from the public. A memorandum of understanding has been signed between CCPA and the Canadian government to develop Responsible Care (voluntary) approaches to meeting environmental objectives.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Mutual assistance networks have been established for CEOs, middle managers and plant managers. The association's Responsible Care Compliance Verification process serves to verify Responsible Care implementation and to share best practices among member companies. Numerous workshops and meetings are sponsored by the association to share implementation expertise and best practices.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is an obligation of membership in the CCPA. The association's members represent 95 percent of the chemical production in Canada based on sales.

CHILE

Asociacion Gremial de
Industriales Quimicos - ASIQUIM
Av. Andres Bello 2777, Of. 501,
Santiago, Chile
Contact: Stellio Cembrano
Tel 56 2 203 3350
Fax 56 2 203 3351
Adopted Responsible Care in 1994

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Process Safety Code - Transportation and Distribution Code - Employee Health and Safety Code (under development) - Product Stewardship Code (under development) - Community Awareness and Emergency Response (under development) - Pollution Prevention Code (under development)

2. Indicators of performance

Code self-evaluations are used to track implementation progress. Other performance measures are now under consideration.

3. Communication with interested parties

ASIQUIM sponsors a series of conferences and seminars each year related to environment, health and safety issues for members, the public and government. ASIQUIM's Environment Committee works closely with the government on the development of regulations.

4. Mutual assistance forums

A regular series of implementation workshops are sponsored by the association for its members.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

The association is considering making Responsible Care an obligation of membership. Currently, approximately 60 percent of the membership is implementing the initiative. These companies represent 80 percent of Chile's chemical sales.

COLOMBIA

Asociación Colombiana de Industrias
Plasticas - Acoplasticos
Consejo Colombiano de Seguridad - CCS>
Associación Nacional de Industriales - ANDI
Carrera 13, No. 26-45, Piso 6,
Bogota, Colombia
Contact: Gustavo Munevar
Tel 00 571 288 6355/245 8268
Fax 00 571 288 4367
Adopted Responsible Care in 1994

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Community Awareness and Emergency Response Code - Pollution Prevention Code - Process Safety Code - Distribution Code - Employee Health and Safety Code - Product Stewardship Code

2. Indicators of performance

Community Awareness and Emergency Response Survey - Pollution Prevention - Incidents at Manufacturing Plants - Distribution and Transportation Reports

3. Communication with interested parties

Plans include the creation of a national advisory panel. Open door days are sponsored by individual companies. Meetings with government officials to discuss Responsible Care are held regularly.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Executive Leadership Group meetings for CEOs and other senior managers are sponsored by the association. Code workshops, technical committee meetings and Responsible Care Managers meetings are held to share implementation experiences and best practices.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not a requirement of membership in any of the three sponsoring associations in Colombia. Peer pressure is the primary means of encouraging companies to commit to the initiative.

CZECH REPUBLIC

Svaz chemickeho priemyslu
Ceske republiky -SCHP
Kodanska 46, CR - 100 10 Prague 10,
Czech Republic
Contact: Miroslav Krejci
Tel 42 2 671 54131
Fax 42 2 671 54130
Adopted Responsible Care in 1994

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Proactivity Code - Health and Safety Code - Integrated Pollution Prevention Control Code - Past Damage Clean-up Code - Emergency Response & Preparedness Code - Environmental Management Code - Environmental Education and Training Code - Information Openness Code

2. Indicators of performance

The association is developing performance indicators. Individual member companies have voluntarily reported environment, health and safety data.

3. Communication with interested parties

SCHP held a number of regional seminars for government authorities and the media to announce its adoption of Responsible Care in 1995 and to explain the initiative's goals. The association also publishes a journal to communicate Responsible Care information to members and other interested parties.

4. Mutual assistance forums

SCHP has held a number of Responsible Care training sessions for its members. Five regional sessions were co-sponsored with the German chemical industry. Assistance in developing the Responsible Care initiative was also provided by the Norwegian, Swedish and Swiss chemical associations.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not an obligation of membership in SCHP. Approximately 75 percent of the members representing 95 percent of the nation's chemical production have committed to the initiative. The association relies on peer pressure and successful company experiences with Responsible Care to convince non-signatories to join the initiative.

DENMARK

Foreningen af Danske
Kemiske Industrier - FDKI
Norre Voldgade 48,
DK - 1358 Copenhagen K, Denmark
Contact: Jacob Jessen
Tel 45 3 315 1748
Fax 45 3 315 1722
Adopted Responsible Care in 1995

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Emergency Response - Environmental Management - Environmental Reporting

2. Indicators of performance

FDKI is developing national performance indicators for its members.

3. Communication with interested parties

No formal structure has been established at this time.

4. Mutual assistance forums

No formal structure has been established at this time.

5. Process to encourage full participationof association members

70 percent of FDKI's members have formally signed the Responsible Care Commitment. This represents approximately 75 percent of national chemical production. Peer pressure and company experiences with Responsible Care are used to convince members to participate in the initiative.

FINLAND

Kemianteollisuus Ry - KT RY
Eteläranta 10, P.O. Box 4,
SF - 00131 Helsinki, Finland
Contact: Aimo Kastinen
Tel 358 9 172 841
Fax 358 9 630 225
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Process Safety - Safety in Transportation - Waste Management - Environmental Performance - Product Stewardship - Additional Guidance Notes and other documents have been developed.

2. Indicators of performance

The association collects and publishes 39 indicators of performance divided in the following categories:

Process Safety 3
Safety in Transportation 5
Waste Management 3
Environmental Performance 10
Environmental Costs 10
Product Stewardship 2
Consumption of Natural Resources 4

3. Communication with interested parties

Communication with interested parties has usually been implemented by individual companies through the use of open door days, public advisory panels or special communications to neighbors in host communities. Federation-wide activities are planned for late 1996 which may include joint open door days across the country.

4. Mutual assistance forums

The federation sponsors regular meetings of companies committed to Responsible Care. At these meetings, companies can share experiences and best practices.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 25 percent of the federation's members have committed to Responsible Care. This represents 80 percent of the chemical production in Finland. Peer pressure and communications about the benefits of Responsible Care are used to convince companies to participate in the initiative.

FRANCE

Union des Industries Chimiques - UIC
14 rue de la République, Puteaux, Cedex 99,
F-92909 Paris la Défense, France
Contact: Marie-Hélène Leroy
Tel 33 1 4653 1121
Fax 33 1 4653 1104
Adopted Responsible Care in 1990

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

UIC has published around 40 guides and technical documentation for its members which cover the following areas of a company's operations:

Pollution Prevention - Process Safety - Transportation -Distribution - Employee Health and Safety - Safety of Chemicals and Product Stewardship

2. Indicators of performance

Occupational Safety - Air emissions - Water emissions - Environmental Investments - Waste Generation

3. Communication with interested parties

UIC members have established many programs to inform interested parties of Responsible Care and environment, health and safety issues. For instance, in eastern France, UIC and 23 companies established signed a charter which requires reporting on chemical risks and prevention measures to a wide range of parties including government,

local communities and the media. A "Collège National d'Experts en Environnement de l'Industrie Chimique" was established by UIC members to promote professional qualification and the training of experts from the chemical industry and to develop methodologies for codes of good practice.

4. Mutual assistance forums

A wide range of mutual assistance programs have been established by UIC at the local, regional and national level. Member companies are encouraged to share best practices and other information to support continuous improvement.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not an obligation of membership. The companies committed to Responsible Care represent approximately 90 percent of France's chemical turnover. Peer pressure and the demonstration of Responsible Care's benefits are the primary method of encouraging members to commit to the initiative. Recent efforts to recruit Responsible Care participants have been directed at small and medium sized companies.

GERMANY

Verband der Chemischen Industrie - VCI
Karlstraße 19-21, Postfach 11 19 43,
D - 60329 Frankfurt-11, Germany
Contact: Frauke Druckrey
Tel 49 69 2556 14 45
Fax 49 69 2556 16 07
Adopted Responsible Care in 1991

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Environmental Protection - Occupational Health and Safety - Product Stewardship - Dialogue - Process Safety - Distribution

2. Indicators of performance

Performance measures are required in each of the six Codes listed above. VCI's first Responsible Care Annual Report includes specific data. The document was published in September 1996. The basis for the indicators will be the CEFIC Core Set of Indicators.

3. Communication with interested parties

VCI organizes open door days nationally and at the state level. Annual teacher's congresses allow members of the chemical industry to meet and engage in dialogue with chemistry teachers from across the nation. "Fora Future" ("Zukunftsforen") were initiated in 1995 and bring together members of the chemical industry with public figures to discuss Sustainable Development issues. Additionally, individual companies sponsor local advisory panels to share information or publish material to inform the public of chemical-related information.

4. Mutual assistance forums

VCI's Responsible Care Project Group meets regularly to identify methods of improving implementation and performance. In 1995, the Responsible Care Project Group sponsored 24 workshops on the regional level which were attended by more than 1000 member company representatives.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

All VCI companies are required to commit to Responsible Care.

GREECE

Hellenic Association of
Chemical Industries - HACI
5 Xenofontos Street,
GR-10557 Athens, Greece
Contact: Costa Masmanidis
Tel 30 1 323 73 25
Fax 30 1 322 29 29
Adopted Responsible Care in 1995

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Public Awareness and Communications - Waste Management - Storage and Distribution - Process Safety - Pollution Control - Safety and Hygiene

2. Indicators of performance

Performance indicators are being developed and should be completed in early 1997.

3. Communication with interested parties

Excellent communications with government agencies currently exist. A communications plan which includes out-reach to the media and other interested parties is in development. The association has cooperated with the Greek Fire Brigade in the establishment of a emergency response center and a chemical product database.

4. Mutual assistance forums

No formal structure has been established. The focus of the association has been the development of the Responsible Care Codes. Following completion of this effort, the focus will shift to implementation of the Code practices and performance indicators. The President of the association has given many lectures on Responsible Care to member companies and external groups.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 93 percent of the association's members have committed to Responsible Care. They represent 90 percent of the national chemical industry's sales. Peer pressure is the primary tool for encouraging member companies to implement Responsible Care.

HONG KONG

Association of International Chemical
Manufacturers - AICM
GPO Box 1607, Hong Kong
Contact: Judy Casteldine
Tel 852 2866 2131
Fax 852 2528 1740
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Distribution Code - Product Stewardship Code - Additional Codes are under development

2. Indicators of performance

A Responsible Care Steering Team is developing an implementation program and performance indicators are part of the proposed program.

3. Communication with interested parties

AICM has established a communications program to inform legislators, civil servants, customers, suppliers and the public of its Responsible Care objectives. Community out-reach efforts have focused on three areas of concern: air and water pollution and noise. AICM sponsored Asia-Pacific Responsible Care Conferences in 1995 and 1996 which were attended by several hundred delegates from around the world. The 1996 was held in Beijing and attracted a large audience of Chinese government officials.

4. Mutual assistance forums

AICM has developed a number of mutual assistance pro-grams for its members. The association sponsors seminars on safe use of chemicals in both Hong Kong and China.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not an obligation of membership. More than 45 companies are implementing Responsible Care but only a handful have manufacturing facilities in Hong Kong, thus the focus on Distribution and Product Stewardship.

HUNGARY

Magyar Vegyipari Szövetség - MAVESZ
Erzsébet Királyné útja 1/c,
H - 1146 Budapest, Hungary
Contact: Lajos Csurgai
Tel 36 1 343 8920
Fax 36 1 343 0980
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Community Awareness and Emergency Response Code - Manufacturing Code - Research & Development Code - Transportation Code - Distribution Code -Hazardous Waste Management Code

2. Indicators of performance

Lost-time accidents - Air emissions: SO2, NO x, CO2, dust - Water emissions: NO2, NO3, heavy metals, oil -Energy Consumption

3. Communication with interested parties

Companies have organized open door days and other community outreach events. Formal complaint procedures have been established by most companies. Approximately 25 percent of the member companies have signed Responsible Care Partnership Agreements with their suppliers. The focus of these Agreements is Product Stewardship policy and practices to ensure the safe handling of chemical products.

4. Mutual assistance forums

A number of national Responsible Care seminars are sponsored each year for middle and senior level company managers. Participants at these meetings have included chemical industry representatives from other European countries.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care has been adopted by 86 percent of the associations members. The association's largest members have all committed to Responsible Care. Peer pressure is the primary tool for persuading companies to implement Responsible Care.

INDIA

Indian Chemical Manufacturers
Association - ICMA
Sir Vithaldas Chambers, 16 Bombay
Samachar Marg, Bombay 400 023, India
Contact: N.J. Hate
Tel 91 22 204 7649
Fax 91 22 204 8057
Adopted Responsible Care in 1993

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Process Safety Code - Employee Health and Safety Code - Pollution Prevention Code - Emergency Response Code - Distribution Code - Product Stewardship Code

2. Indicators of performance

Self-evaluations are collected from members to track Code implementation progress. The association does not collect additional performance indicators from its members.

3. Communication with interested parties

The ICMA have maintain regular communications to interested parties at the national and local level.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Responsible Care Coordinating Groups have been established in the eastern and western regions of the country. These groups meet regularly at manufacturing sites and allow participating companies to exchange Responsible Care implantation information. An important Responsible Care conference was held in September 1996 in India which was attended by national and international chemical industry leaders.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 15 percent of the association's members are implementing Responsible Care. The ICMA relies on peer pressure and the communication of Responsible Care 's benefits to encourage members to implement the initiative.

IRELAND

Irish Pharmaceutical & Chemical
Manufacturers' Federation - IPCMF
Confederation House, 84/86 Lower Baggot
Street, EI - Dublin 2, Ireland
Contact: Clive Cathcart
Tel 353 1 660 1011
Fax 353 1 660 1717
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Good Environment Practice Code - Process Safety Code - Distribution Code

2. Indicators of performance

Annual Emissions Reports - Health and Safety Index

3. Communication with interested parties

Member companies have created local/regional advisory panels and/or are communicating with the public through established institutions in the communities where they operate facilities. The federation publishes a newsletter on the environment, health and safety performance of its members.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Workshops have been organized for Responsible Care coordinators by the federation. Four local mutual assistance cells have been created in areas where there is a large concentration of chemical facilities. These cells serve as a forum for company personnel to discuss Responsible Care implementation issues and share best practices. A national seminar on Responsible Care is held each year for all member companies.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 90 percent of all federation members have committed to Responsible Care. All new members are required to implement Responsible Care. The participating companies represent approximately 75 percent of Irish chemical production. Peer pressure at the local cell level is the primary tool for encouraging companies to commit to Responsible Care.

ITALY

Federazione Nazionale dell'Industria
Chimica - FEDERCHIMICA
Via Accademia 33
I-20131 Milan, Italy
Contact: Andrea Fieschi
Tel 39 2 268 10357
Fax 39 2 268 10329
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Audit for Safety, Health and Environment - Emergency Response Planning in the Transport of Chemical Products - Guidelines for Environmental Reporting - Safety at Work: Emergency Response - Organizational Models for Responsible Care - Internal and External Communication of Responsible Care - Reducing Emissions - Plant Safety - Product Stewardship

2. Indicators of performance

Safety: Lost time injuries frequency and severity

Waste water: Suspended solids, nitrogen, phosphorous, heavy metals

Air emissions: Dust, SO2, NOx, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals

Waste Production: total waste, toxic waste, special waste, special urban waste

Energy and Water Consumption: total energy, electric energy, thermal energy, water use

3. Communication with interested parties

The federation publishes a number of documents for members and external interested parties including an annual Responsible Care Environmental Report. Open door days are sponsored by individual companies. An "Open Factories Week" was held in October 1995. More than 70 chemical facilities took part in the program and more than 50,000 people visited these sites.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Meetings of the federation's Responsible Care Board are held three time each year. The Responsible Care coordinators committee meets every six months to exchange information and best practices. Seminars on Emergency Response and Planning and Safety at Work are just two examples of the more than 70 Responsible Care mutual assistance meetings sponsored by the federation each year.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 140 companies are implementing Responsible Care. This represents approximately 50-60 percent of Italian chemical production. The federation views the positive response of the public and the media towards Responsible Care as the best tool for encouraging companies to commit to Responsible Care.

JAPAN

Japan Chemical Industry Association - JCIA
Tokyo Club Building, 2-6, 3-chome,
Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo, Japan
Contact: Motoo Kawamata
Tel 81 33 580 1381
Fax 81 33 580 1383
Adopted Responsible Care in 1991

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Guidelines for Establishing Responsible Care and Reporting on Progress - Guidelines for Reporting on Chemical Substance Emission Inventories - Guidelines for Conducting Internal Responsible Care Audits -Guidelines for Transportation Safety Management -Guidelines on Waste Management

2. Indicators of performance

JCIA has completed a draft of proposed performance measures and auditing checklists and is awaiting final review and approval of its Board of Directors.

3. Communication with interested parties

JCIA has created a Panel of Experts from related industries and academia to review and advise on Responsible Care. Presentations on Responsible Care are made regularly to other industrial trade organizations and university groups. Individual companies sponsor periodic meetings with local communities and the association makes presentations to the government and media on its activities.

4. Mutual assistance forums

A series of Responsible Care workshops and seminars are held each year to assist the members in implementing the initiative. Committees and work groups meet regularly to support Responsible Care implementation. JCIA created a Japan Responsible Care Council to manage the initiative and provide enhanced support to its members.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not an obligation of membership. Approximately 50 percent of the JCIA membership is implementing the initiative.

MALAYSIA

Chemical Industries Council
of Malaysia - CICM
c/o Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers
17th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby, Jalan Raja Laut,
50350 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: Esther Boey
Tel 603 293 1244
Fax 603 294 4957
Adopted Responsible Care in 1995

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Distribution Code - Community Awareness and Emergency Response Code - Pollution Prevention Code (under development) - Employee Health and Safety Code (under development) - Process Safety Code (under development) - Product Stewardship Code (under development)

2. Indicators of performance

Checklists for code compliance have been developed. No formal indicators for other performance areas have been developed.

3. Communication with interested parties

Companies have sponsored open door days at facilities. Some facilities are establishing community panels as part of the CAER Code process.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Workshops and seminars have been sponsored by the CICM. Member companies are also encouraged to organize emergency response task forces and disaster committees in their regions. CICM supports these efforts with speakers, publications and videos.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is being implemented by 45 percent of the association's member companies. It is anticipated that Responsible Care will become an obligation of member ship following completion of all Codes and the provision of training on the initiative to all companies.

MEXICO

Asociación Nacional de la Industria
Química AC - ANIQ
Providencia No. 1118, Col. del Valle, Deleg
Benito Juarez, 03100 Mexico DF, Mexico
Contact: Miguel Benedetto Alexanderson
Tel 52 5 559 7833
Fax 52 5 559 5589
Adopted Responsible Care in 1991

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Community Protection Code - Pollution Prevention Code - Process Safety Code - Transport and Distribution Code - Employee Health and Safety Code - Product Stewardship Code (under development)

2. Indicators of performance

Self-evaluations are collected from members to track Code implementation progress.

3. Communication with interested parties

ANIQ is developing a national advisory panel for Responsible Care which will include members of industry, government, NGOs and the media. Individual companies are sponsoring local community advisory panels. ANIQ has a very active outreach program to all interested parties and is working closely with government agencies on environmental issues. ANIQ sponsors an annual environmental forum which brings together industry, government and other interested parties to talk about pollution-related issues.

4. Mutual assistance forums

ANIQ sponsors numerous workshops and seminars for its members on Responsible Care. Mutual assistance activities take place at the CEO, middle manager and plant manager level.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is a condition of membership in ANIQ. Its members represent approximately 90 percent of Mexico's total chemical production.

THE NETHERLANDS

Vereniging van de Nederlandse Chemische
Industrie - VNCI
Vlietweg 16, Postbus 443, NL - 2260 AK
Leidschendam, The Netherlands
Contact: Dick van Namen
Tel 31 70 337 8787
Fax 31 70 320 3903
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

CEFIC Environmental Protection Guidelines - Communication Plan for Responsible Care - Environmental Care Checklist - Safety Checklists for Contractors - Product Policy - Responsible Care Implementation Guides -Implementation of Environmental Policies

2. Indicators of performance

Environmental Profile and Forecast - Safety - Air and Water Emissions - Transport Safety - Chemical industry personnel surveys - knowledge of Responsible Care

3. Communication with interested parties

A Board Advisory Committee made up of former ministers, politicians, CEOs, journalists and academics has been created to provide input to the Responsible Care initiative. Individual companies organize open door days at manufacturing sites and sponsor local advisory panels. More than 70 percent of the VNCI's members publish an annual environmental report. VNCI publishes a number of Responsible Care and environment, health and safety reports and an annual Environmental Report. VNCI sponsors a national Education Industry Partnership which encourages cooperation between chemical facilities and schools.

4. Mutual assistance forums

VNCI sponsors numerous Responsible Care seminars and conferences for its members.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is being implemented by approximately 75 percent of the VNCI's members. This represents 85 percent of Dutch chemical production. Peer pressure and the sharing of experiences on the benefits of Responsible Care are the primary means of encouraging members to participate in the initiative.

NEW ZEALAND

New Zealand Chemical Industry
Council - NZCIC
First Floor Agriculture House, 12 Johnston
St., P.O. Box 5069, Wellington,
New Zealand
Contact: Barry Dyer
Tel 64 4 499 4311
Fax 64 4 472 7100
Adopted Responsible Care in 1991

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Handling Small Spills of Hazardous Substances -Carrier Safety Audit Guidelines Warning Signs for Premises Storing Hazardous Substances - Emergency Preparedness - Managing Hazards to Prevent Major Industrial Accidents - Environmental performance Indicators

2. Indicators of performance

Checklists for internal and external site audits - Site safety - injuries, lost time and targets

3. Communication with interested parties

The Council is the government's primary advisor on the safe management of hazardous substances. Council members participate in the development of national policy and regulations and the development of industry codes of practice. The Council conducts nationwide seminars to inform the public of environment, health and safety issues. Briefings on chemical industry activities are held for NGOs and the public. Members hold open door days in their communities and other outreach programs. The Council has aggressively promoted Responsible Care as the nation's primary environment, health and safety program.

4. Mutual assistance forums

The Council's Technical Advisory Board takes an active role in reviewing government and other industry policies for their relevance to chemical companies. Introductory workshops and follow-up seminars are held for Responsible Care coordinators. The Council conducts on-site training for members and has developed numerous publications and videos for use by members. Council staff visit each company annually to discuss Responsible Care progress. External audits are used to identify members who need implementation assistance.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is an obligation of membership. NZCIC's members represent 85 percent of chemical production in the country.

NORWAY

Prosessindustriens Landsforening - PIL
Stensberggt 27, P.O. Box 2724,
St. Hanshaugen, N-0131 Oslo, Norway
Contact: Bard Haug
Tel 47 22 96 10 00
Fax 47 22 96 10 99
Adopted Responsible Care in 1994

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Pollution Prevention - Process Safety - Employee Health and Safety - "How to be a Responsible Care Company" (guidance document with checklists)

2. Indicators of performance

In 1995, PIL published a report on the environment, health and safety impacts of the chemical industry. It included information on emissions of environmental contaminants, greenhouse gases and sources of acid rain. It also included information on accident rates and facility incidents. Additional reports are anticipated. PIL encourages its member companies to publish individual annual HSE reports. Reporting of a broader range of parameters within HSE is being defined and will be requested from the MIA companies next year.

3. Communication with interested parties

An annual environment, health and safety report is published by PIL. Individual companies sponsor open door days, meetings with local communities and publish annual environmental reports. PIL also works through the media to promote Responsible Care and environment, health and safety information to interested parties.

4. Mutual assistance forums

PIL has established a number of committees and advisory boards which meet regularly and provide opportunities for companies to share best practices and Responsible Care implementation information.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Of PIL's 644 member companies, more than 220 have signed the Responsible Care Commitment. They represent approximately 57 percent of the nation's chemical production. Peer pressure is the primary means of encouraging companies to participate in Responsible Care.

PERU

Comite de las Industria Quimica
Los Laureles 365, San Isidro, Lima 27, Peru
Contact: Malena de Silva
Adopted Responsible Care in 1996

Responsible Care is in its earliest stages of development in Peru. The Comite de la Industria Quimica has held an initial organizing meeting for its members on Responsible Care, but no formal structure exists at the present time.

PHILIPPINES

Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang
Kimika - SPIK
c/o Rohm and Haas Philippines,
Inc., 12/F PCI Tower II, Makati Avenue,
Makati, Philippines
Contact: Wolfgang V. Simsch
Tel - Fax 632 891 2140
Adopted Responsible Care in 1996

Responsible Care is in its earliest stages of implementation in the Philippines. Two Responsible Care workshops have been held in 1996. Participants have included representatives of European and U.S. chemical companies who spoke about the benefits of Responsible Care. Currently, approximately 15-20 chemical companies have adopted the initiative. Guiding Principles have been adopted and work on a series of Codes has commenced.

POLAND

Polska Izba Przemyslu Chemicznego - PIPC
Industrial Chemistry Research Institute,
Rydygiera 8, PL - 01 793 Warsaw, Poland
Contact: Andrzej Krzeslak
Tel 48 22 633 9511, ext. 20.33
Fax 48 22 633 8295
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Pollution Prevention (Guidelines) - Process Safety (Guidelines) - Employee Health and Safety (Guidelines) -Product Stewardship (CEFIC Guidelines)

2. Indicators of performance

Pollutants emissions - SO2 emissions, NO x emissions, dust emissions - Wastewater - Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), suspended solids, ammonium ions - Solid waste -Waste utilisation factor - Noise/complaints - Energy consumption - Accident rates - Operation failures - Environment and safety investments

3. Communication with interested parties

PIPC participates in many national environment and safety conferences. The Chamber also maintains close contacts with schools and universities and provides them with information on chemical industry performance. Individual companies sponsor open door days for the public. PIPC publishes an industry newsletter and maintains contacts with the media to promote Responsible Care and environment, health and safety achievements.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Several national Responsible Care workshops have been sponsored in Poland. These workshops have been attended by Polish and other European chemical industry personnel. An Ecological Task Force meets regularly to focus on environment, health and safety improvements and promote outreach to government agencies and non-governmental organizations.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not an obligation of membership in the PIPC. Currently, the Responsible Care program is implemented in 10 chemical enterprises, members of the PIPC. These enterprises represent ca. 21 % of the total chemical industry in terms of the sales value. Peer pressure is the primary tool for encouraging members to participate in Responsible Care.

PORTUGAL

Associaçaõ Portuguesa das Empresas
Químicas - APEQ
Avenida D. Carlos I, No. 45-3,
P - 1200 Lisboa, Portugal
Contact: Lubelia Penedo
Tel 351 1 606 796/7
Fax 351 1 396 3052
Adopted Responsible Care in 1993

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Pollution Prevention - Community Awareness and Emergency Response - Distribution - Product Stewardship - Process Safety - Employee Health and Safety

2. Indicators of performance

Safety: Accident Frequency, Severity Rate, Accident Incidence Rate, Costs related to Safety and Environment -Health: Noise levels and cost related to Health - Emissions: Gases (SO2, NOx, CO2, Heavy Metals) - Emissions: Water (CQO, SST, Heavy Metals) - Waste: Total quantity for recycling - Inputs: Water consumption, energy consumption

3. Communication with interested parties

APEQ has signed a Voluntary Agreement with the government which covers all dialogue between its members and regulatory bodies. It is intended to foster cooperative efforts between industry and government to solve environment, health and safety problems. Individual companies engage in outreach to local communities, schools, emergency responders and civil services.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Responsible Care coordinators meet once per month to discuss implementation issues and share best practices.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 45 percent of the association's members are implementing Responsible Care. This represents approximately 70 percent of chemical production in

Portugal.

SINGAPORE

Singapore Chemical Industries
Council - SCIC
c/o Singapore Manufacturers Association,
SMA House, 20 Orchard Rd. Singapore
Contact: Ooi Chwee-kim
Tel 65 864 5850
Fax 65 861 3513
Adopted Responsible Care in 1991

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

SCIC is developing the following Codes: Pollution Prevention - Employee Health and Safety -Process Safety - Community Awareness and Emergency Response - Distribution - Product Stewardship

2. Indicators of performance

No indicators of performance have been established. A self-evaluation process to track Code implementation progress is planned in the future.

3. Communication with interested parties

The SCIC has engaged in limited outreach to interested

parties.

4. Mutual assistance forums

SCIC has held several meetings and workshops which have focused on Code development. The association recently held a major Responsible Care Conference for its members to raise the profile of Responsible Care and discuss implementation issues.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not an obligation of membership in the SCIC.

SLOVAK REPUBLIC

Zväz chemického a farmaceutickeho
priemyslu Slovenskej republiky - ZCHFP
Research Institute of Petrochemistry,
Nabrezna 4, SK-97104 Prievidza,
Slovak Republic
Contact: Silvia Surova
Tel 42 8 624 30 841
Fax 42 8 624 30 261
Adopted Responsible Care in 1995

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

A series of Codes and Guidance Notes are being prepared.

2. Indicators of performance

The association has been developing performance indicators and gathering data for the year 1992-1995. Next year, it will publish following information:

Emissions to air: sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxide - Discharges to water: chemical oxygen demand Waste management: hazardous waste, non-hazardous waste - Safety and Occupational Health: number of injuries per 100 employees, number of lost workhours due to injuries - Total energy consumption - Total water consumption - Total spending on environmental protection

3. Communication with interested parties

Under development

4. Mutual assistance forums

The association organised a Responsible Care Seminar which was held in Bratislava in October 1996 to share first experiences in implementing the Responsible Care Programme and collecting data.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

A total of 28 companies have committed to Responsible Care. This represents 70 percent of the association's members and 92 percent of its members' production. Presentations on Responsible Care at CEO meetings are a primary means of encouraging participation.

SOUTH AFRICA

Chemical and Allied Industries
Association - CAIA
15th Floor Metal Box Center, 25 Owl Street,
Auckland Park 2006, South Africa
Contact: Laurraine Lotter
Tel 27 11 482 1671/4
Fax 27 11 726 8310
Adopted Responsible Care in 1994

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Health and Safety of Persons Code - Storage and Distribution of Chemicals Code - Transportation of Chemicals Code - Waste Management and Pollution Control Code - Community Awareness and Emergency Response Code - Product Stewardship Code

2. Indicators of performance

Indicators of Performance scheduled to be published in 1997.

3. Communication with interested parties

Individual companies are engaged in outreach to interested parties. The association is developing an advisory panel of external stakeholders.

4. Mutual assistance forums

The association has sponsored numerous Responsible Care seminars at the local and national level for its members. These provide an opportunity for the exchange of implementation information and sharing of best practices. CAIA has established a Responsible Care Implementation Group and a Responsible Care Standing Committee to direct the initiative's implementation.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 80 percent of the association's members are implementing Responsible Care. Peer pressure and communication of the benefits of Responsible Care to non-participating companies are the primary means of encouraging them to adopt the initiative. The association made Responsible Care obligatory for members after 1996.

SOUTH KOREA

Korean Petrochemical
Industry Association - KPIA
6th Floor Christian World Building, 1-1
Yeonji-dong, Chongno-ku, South Korea
Contact: M.H. Bae
Tel 82 2 744 0116
Fax 82 2 743 1887
Adopted Responsible Care in 1993

Responsible Care is in the very early stages of development in South Korea. KPIA has adopted a series of eight guiding principles for Responsible Care, but the ICCA has limited knowledge of the association's activities regarding the initiative in Korea.

SPAIN

Federación Empresarial de la Industria
Química Española - FEIQUE
Hermosilla 31-1 dcha,
E - Madrid 28001, Spain
Contact: Francisco Perez
Tel 34 1 431 7964
Fax 34 1 576 3381
Adopted Responsible Care in 1993

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Communications - Process Safety - Environment Protection - Transport and Distribution - Health Protection - Product Stewardship

2. Indicators of performance

Emissions to Water - Emissions to Air - Investment and expenses in Environmental Protection - Accident Frequency and severity indexes - Reuse and Recycling of Wastes -Energy Consumption

3. Communication with interested parties

Individual member companies have sponsored open door days at facilities, established public advisory panels and published environmental reports. The association is now implementing a comprehensive communications plan on Responsible Care.

4. Mutual assistance forums

FEIQUE has a Responsible Care coordinators committee and Code task forces which assist participating companies in implementing the initiative. Seminars for coordinators have occurred. Educational materials on Responsible Care are available from the association. FEIQUE has developed comprehensive computer programs on Responsible Care for use by members. These programs include information from CEFIC.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is being implemented by approximately 10 percent of FEIQUE's 2000 member companies. These companies represent approximately 65 percent of the

nation's chemical production.

SWEDEN

Sveriges Kemiska Industrikontor -KEMIKONTORET
Storgatan 19, Box 5501,
S - 114 85 Stockholm, Sweden
Contact: Inge Lundström
Tel 46 8 783 80 00
Fax 46 8 663 63 23
Adopted Responsible Care in 1991

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Guidance manuals include:

The Environment Protection Act: Responsibility, Organisation, Administration - The Environment Protection Act: Information and Consultation - Environmental Protection: Conditions and Commitments - Environmental Protection: Behind the Letter of the Law - Environmental Auditing: A Model - Safe Working Environment - Safe Transportation of Chemicals - Less waste - Safe Chemicals: Manufacture and imports - Risk Management - SHE-Audit - Product Stewardship - Fast Assistance in Chemical Emergencies -The Company and the Media - Responsible Care: The Individual, The Company, The World Around - The Principles of Substitution

2. Indicators of performance

The Association has been collecting indicators of performance since 1995. The first progress report was published in March 1996 and covered the years 1990 and 1994. Data for 1995 will be published at the end of 1996. Individual companies have also created their own indicators for use with interested parties, authorities and other stakeholders.

3. Communication with interested parties

The Association has an intensive dialogue with the Government and authorities in questions concerning the chemical industry. There are also many activities in support to schools and teachers. Open house in the chemical industry on a common day was introduced in 1994. The next Open house day will take place in September 1997 and at least 60 of a total of 164 member companies will participate. Similar activities to stimulate communication are of course also being done at the local level by individual

companies. Visits from schools, neighbours and other interested parties are also organised at individual companies.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Ten regional networks have been established and allow for the regular exchange of information among member companies. These are important for the small and medium sized companies since this is a forum where they can get assistance from the bigger companies. Conferences and seminars are sponsored by the Association as well as education on different matters e.g. chemical hazards and SHE-Audits. The Association's staff makes regular visits to the member companies to discuss Responsible Care and other issues.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 80 per cent of the Association's member companies are implementing Responsible Care (corresponding to some 95 per cent if you look at the total number of employees in the member companies). There is a clear ambition to achieve a full participation of the members and efforts are made to make this happen.

SWITZERLAND

Société Suisse des Industries
Chimiques - SSIC
Nordstrasse 15, Postfach 328,
CH - 8035 Zürich, Switzerland
Contact: Richard Gamma
Tel 41 1 368 1711
Fax 41 1 368 1770
Adopted Responsible Care in 1992

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Guidance for Self-evaluation - List of Critical Questions - Directions for the Implementation of Responsible Care - Laboratory Practices: How to Save Energy and Reduce Emissions

2. Indicators of performance

A set of performance indicators has been developed and will be published for the first time in 1996.

3. Communication with interested parties

The association publishes an annual report for the public which includes information on Responsible Care. Companies sponsor local and regional open door days and other outreach events. Regular meetings between industrial officials and government and NGOs.

4. Mutual assistance forums

The association sponsors Responsible Care workshops for its members.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Approximately 80 percent of the association's members are implementing Responsible Care. This represents 90 percent of Switzerland's chemical production. All new members of the association are required to commit to the Responsible Care Initiative.

TURKEY

Turkish Chemical Manufacturers
Association - TCMA
Degirmen Sokak, Sasmaz Sitesi, No:19,D:9,
Kozyategi, TR-81090, Istanbul, Turkey
Contact: Caner Zanbak
Tel 90 216 416 7644/416 9439
Fax 90 216 416 9218
Adopted Responsible Care in 1995

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Community Awareness and Emergency Response Code - Pollution Prevention Code - Process Safety Code - Distribution Code - Employee Health and Safety Code - Product Stewardship Code

2. Indicators of performance

Currently there is no systematic tracking of performance indicators for the TCMA's Responsible Care program. Individual companies are developing their own systems for recording regulatory monitoring data. TCMA will identify a set of indicators of performance in 1996 and establish a system to assist member companies track their progress.

3. Communication with interested parties

TCMA communicates to interested parties by means of press releases, media coverage, presentations at public meetings and panel presentations to educational institutions. TCMA is developing more means of communicating about Responsible Care to external audiences.

4. Mutual assistance forums

TCMA has sponsored seminars and workshops for its members on Responsible Care. Members used these meetings to exchange implementation information and

best practices. TCMA has established a Responsible Care Awards program to highlight the progress of participating companies.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is an obligation of membership for all new members of TCMA. Companies who were members of the association prior to 1995 have the option of participating in the initiative. Currently, approximately 70 percent of the association's members are implementing Responsible Care. This represents approximately 60 percent of Turkey's chemical sales. Peer pressure and the exchange of information on the benefits of Responsible Care are the primary means of encouraging members to participate in the initiative. Use of the Responsible Care logo is also a effective incentive for member participation.

UNITED KINGDOM

Chemical Industries Association - CIA
Kings Building, Smith Square, GB - London
SW1P 3JJ, United Kingdom
Contact: Stuart Aaron
Tel 44 171 834 3399
Fax 44 171 834 4469
Adopted Responsible Care in 1989

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

The CIA has published several dozen Codes and Guidance documents as part of its Responsible Care initiative. These documents cover all areas of company's operations from research and development through disposal of wastes. Community outreach and product stewardship guides have also been developed. Guidance documents have been developed for all levels of a company's operations from senior management to plant manager and line employee.

2. Indicators of performance

Environmental Protection Spending - Safety - Lost time accidents - Waste emissions: Discharge of Red List substances, disposal of special wastes, environmental index. - Distribution incidents - Energy consumption -Communications: Site reporting, community liaison, complaints - Management Systems - Product Stewardship in action

3. Communication with interested parties

Member companies' manufacturing sites have established active links with their communities such as liaison panels or other processes. Complaint procedures have been formalized at 88 percent of the sites. CIA members have sponsored individual and coordinated open door days. In addition to the association's Indicators of Performance Report, more than half of the members' manufacturing sites produce their own performance reports for interested parties. CIA makes use of "opinion formers" groups for the presentation of performance indicator data and other environment, health and safety data.

4. Mutual assistance forums

A network of 33 Responsible Care cells has been established to provide a means of exchanging implementation experiences and best practices. Cell participants are

mainly site managers or senior technical specialists. Responsible Care Leadership Groups have been established for CEOs and other senior management participants. National seminars and workshops on Responsible Care and environment, health and safety issues are held regularly.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is an obligation of CIA membership. CIA members represent 67 percent of total U.K. chemical sales.

UNITED STATES

Chemical Manufacturers Association - CMA
1300 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington,
Virginia 22209, United States
Contact: Richard M. Doyle
Tel 1 703 741 5300
Fax 1 703 741 6300
Adopted Responsible Care in 1988

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Community Awareness and Emergency Response Code - Pollution Prevention Code - Process Safety Code - Distribution Code - Employee Health and Safety Code - Product Stewardship Code

2. Indicators of performance

Pollution Prevention - Emissions (Toxics Release Inventory) - Health and Safety - Occupational Injury and Illness Reports - Process Safety - Facility Incidents - Distribution - Transportation incidents - Community Awareness and Emergency Response - community, employee and emergency responder surveys - Product Stewardship - customer surveys (in development)

3. Communication with interested parties

CMA sponsors a national Public Advisory Panel made up of external stakeholder representatives. The Panel reviews and provided input on Responsible Care issues to CMA. CMA member companies have established more than 300 local Community Advisory Panels in locations where they operate facilities. CMA companies also sponsor open door days and other outreach activities to communicate with their stakeholders. CMA publishes an annual Responsible Care Progress Report for distribution to the public.

4. Mutual assistance forums

CMA has established a multilevel, regional mutual assistance network for its members. Executive Leadership Groups made up of CEOs meet twice each year to review Responsible Care activities. Responsible Care Coordinator Networks are made up of the middle-managers at each company who are in charge of implementing the initiative and meet 4-6 times per year. Plant managers and company Code Stewards meet at the state and regional level to discuss Responsible Care implementation and share best practices. CMA sponsors numerous workshops on Code implementation, outreach and communications for its members.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is an obligation of membership. CMA members represent approximately 90 percent of total U.S. chemical production.

ZIMBABWE

Industrial Chemical Association of Zimbabwe
c/o GENKEM, P.O. Box 66030, Kopje,
Harare, Zimbabwe
Contact: D W Chikaka
Tel 263 4 770 784
Fax 263 4 750 334
Adopted Responsible Care in 1994

Program Description

1. Codes, guidance notes or checklists for implementation

Existing or planned Codes include: Transportation of Chemicals - Waste Management - Storage and Handling - Responsible Production, distribution and use of chemicals - Research and Development - Safety Assessment and generation and transmission of information - Emergency response and community involvement

2. Indicators of performance

Under development

3. Communication with interested parties

The industry works with government agencies in the management of the Responsible Care initiative in Zimbabwe. Meetings are held regularly with environmental and other NGO groups.

4. Mutual assistance forums

Code development meetings are held regularly. A Responsible Care seminar was held to launch the initiative in March 1994. Plans for formal meetings and seminars on Responsible Care are under development.

5. Process to encourage full participation of association members

Responsible Care is not an obligation of membership at this time.

 

Annex IV

 

Responsible Care Partnerships

 

Statement of Principles

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) supports the extension of Responsible Care throughout the chemical manufacturing community and to sectors allied with the chemical industry (chemical transporters, distributors, traders, users, etc.).

To this end, the ICCA encourages all national chemical associations that have been approved to administer Responsible Care to expand participation in the initiative within their borders. This should be done either by encouraging associations whose members have an interest in chemicals to become partners in Responsible Care, or by recruiting companies with such interests to become involved directly in the Responsible Care initiative.

The national chemical association that has been approved by the ICCA to administer Responsible Care shall be responsible for approving the partnership arrangements with prospective partner associations and companies. At a minimum such prospective partner associations or companies must operate their Responsible Care programs under the same commitment and standards upheld by the member association. However, the application of Responsible Care can be tailored to their specific operations, and be determined appropriate by the member association. The national chemical association that has been approved by the ICCA to administer Responsible Care retains responsibility for the integrity of the Responsible Care process, logo and trademarks, and ensures that the prospective partner association or company will use the Responsible Care logo and trademarks according to ICCA guidelines. Misuse of the Responsible Care logo or trademarks by partner associations or companies will be addressed by the national chemical association that has been approved by the ICCA to administer Responsible Care.

 

Guidelines

The national chemical association that has been approved by the ICCA to administer Responsible Care will apply the following guidelines in establishing

partnerships with associations and companies within their borders:

  1. ensure that the primary business of the prospective partner involves chemical manufacturing, transportation, distribution, trading, or use, (or is an association that represents companies involved in these businesses);
  2. ensure that prospective partners maintain the integrity and public credibility of Responsible Care by following through on the commitments contained in the initiative;
  3. ensure that the expectations of chemical industry stakeholders are being addressed by
  4. the partner association or company through its implementation of Responsible Care.
  5. ensure that prospective partner associations or companies:
    1. demonstrate senior level support for the Responsible Care ethic;
    2. commit to carry out the Responsible Care process, thereby maintaining a consistent approach to advancing health, safety and environmental performance improvement in a way that is response to public input;
    3. adhere to national guidelines for using the Responsible Care logo and trademarks.
  6. ensure that partner associations or companies demonstrate their ability to adequately resource their support for implementing Responsible Care;
  7. ensure that partner associations or companies report annually on the progress of implementing and maintaining Responsible Care;
  8. ensure that partnerships must remain consistent with ICCA policies;
  9. ensure that the ICCA Secretariat is kept informed of all partnerships;
  10. develop a Partnership Agreement which encapsulates these guidelines.

Annex V

 

Responsible Care Additional References

 

On paragraph "Chemical risk" of the main body of the report just eighteen practical examples of voluntary actions of the global chemical industry in its efforts to manage chemical risk in line with its commitment to Responsible Care were listed. These examples were selected to illustrate the diversity of types of initiatives as well as the broad global impact of Responsible Care.

However, more complete information on the fuller content and achievements of Responsible Care can be found in a large series of documents published by the national associations of the chemical industry as well as by the companies themselves.

The types of documents giving such information are listed below. Most of them will be presented on the exhibition stationary at Ottawa during the meeting of the Second Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety (10- 14 February 1997).

I. Documents issued by industry associations

  1. Catalogues of documents made available by national chemical industry associations. These include :
    1. Responsible Care guiding principles
    2. Codes, checklists and guidance notes
    3. Implementation resources guides
    4. Annual Responsible Care progress reports

The European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) regularly updates a catalogue of all documents published by its 22 member associations. The November 1996 issue contains 336 references. Furthermore, CEFIC edits an Annual Responsible Care Report describing the state of development in each member country.

  1. Guidance documents published by sectoral associations, e.g.
    1. Safe Handling of Pigments published by ETAD/BCMA/VdMI/EPSON in 1995
    2. ECVM (European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers) Industry Charter for the Production of VCM and PVC published in 1995
    3. ECSA (European Chlorinated Solvent Association) Charter of Cooperation published in 1992.

II. Documents issued by companies

  1. Company reports dealing with Responsible Care include:
    1. Environmental reports
    2. Health, Safety and Environment reports
    3. Responsible Care reports
    4. Company policy documents.
  2. Reporting of performances at site level is either included in the corporate reports or presented as separate site reports to both employees and local communities.

III.Compilation of companies achievements in the safe management of chemicals

 


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