This table shows a list of topics identified as relevant by different stakeholder groups. They can be considered as stakeholders’ suggestions or requests for topics to be monitored or disclosed by organizations. Additional information about the project can be found at https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/TopicsResearch/Pages/default.aspx
2 – Chemicals 45 Topics Companies that primarily produce industrial chemicals and basic chemicals. Including but not limited to plastics, synthetic fibers, films, commodity-based paints & pigments, explosives, and petrochemicals. Producers of fertilizers, pesticides, potash or other agriculture-related chemicals. Manufacturers of industrial gases. Companies that primarily produce high value-added chemicals used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products, including but not limited to fine chemicals, additives, advanced polymers, adhesives, sealants and specialty paints, pigments and coatings.
Sustainability Category Environmental
Topic Materials sourcing
Topic Specification (if available) Renewable raw materials
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
The issue renewable raw materials refers to the procurement of renewable raw materials cultivated in a socially and environmentally sustainable way.
407
Financial Markets & Information Users
Comprehensive guidelines aimed at the sustainable cultivation of such raw materials measures aimed at the sustainable procurement of renewable raw materials Many of the chemicals industry’s products are derived from crude oil or natural gas. However, due to rising
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Raw material base diversification
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation prices and the finite nature of fossil raw materials, increasing amounts of renewable raw materials are also being used. These can bring benefits not only in economic terms, but also from the sustainability point of view, provided that these raw materials are cultivated in a socially and environmentally sustainable way. Renewable resources: Biomass from a variety of sources is referred to as “renewable raw material” if it is put to non-food uses. Applications range from numerous industrial products to the generation of electricity, heat and other forms of energy.
Reference(s)1 Constituency
41
Business
http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/sustainability /environment/resource-conservation/index • Sustainability is our guiding principle for selecting raw materials For us, sustainability means aligning economic success with environmental and social responsibility. We evaluate raw materials for our applications in terms of sustainability and use them as efficiently as possible. This evaluation is supported by holistic assessments of product and process sustainability (e.g., land use, biodiversity, water, energy) using objective, fact-based methods such as our Eco-efficiency Analysis and SEEBALANCE®. • Renewable raw materials create options to diversify our raw material base Today, fossil feedstock are our dominant raw material. Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
Nevertheless, we constantly look at a wide array of options for sourcing feedstock. Renewable raw materials diversify BASF’s raw material base and can help to sustainably shape BASF’s future. The proportion of renewable raw materials used by BASF depends on several factors including ecological and social aspects, availability and cost-competitiveness. We support our customers with innovative sustainable solutions based on renewable raw materials Our customers show an increasing interest in products based on renewable raw materials. In response to this market demand, we leverage our extensive research and development capabilities to constantly explore innovative applications in various markets. As a leader in sustainable development we are committed to supporting our customers and the industry in becoming more sustainable and will jointly strive for the best available options. • We contribute to improving the sustainability of renewable raw materials Renewable raw materials need to be cultivated and used as sustainably as possible because the arable land available to produce them is limited. Where appropriate, BASF therefore actively participates in certification schemes such as the ISCC (International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) and the RSPO (Round Table on Sustainable Palm Oil) and supports producers in becoming more sustainable. Furthermore, we perform sustainability evaluations and use the results of our EcoEfficiency Analysis and SEEBALANCE® in decision-making Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 3 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
processes. Why are renewable raw materials relevant for BASF? Beyond their use as starting materials for products, renewable raw materials are relevant for BASF at many points in the value chain. For example, BASF provides innovative agricultural products and solutions that help to improve the quality and yield of crops and also develops catalysts and process chemicals for biomass processing and refining. Based on renewable raw materials, we manufacture products such as Texapon® surfactants and Cetiol® emollients for personal care applications, vitamins, feed enzymes, as well as bio-based plastics such as the biodegradable polymer Ecovio® and the polyurethane precursor Lupranol® Balance.
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Sustainability Category
Topic Energy efficiency of operations and end products
Topic Specification (if available) Energy consumption management and improvement
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
Energy
39
Business
Energy efficiency is an important part of sustainability. Sustainability needs to be judged on the basis of a whole life cycle, i.e., from manufacture to use to disposal/recycling. Sustainable energy efficiency measures lower energy consumption and protect the climate while not stressing other resources additionally and taking cost-efficiency and social acceptance into account. Energy efficiency compares an output of performance, service or goods with an input of energy: less energy for heating or cooling a house, less fuel per km, less electricity per ton of Chlorine. Why is energy efficiency relevant for BASF? BASF is an energy intensive company. In the face of limited resources, the economical use of energy is part of our corporate philosophy. High standards of energy efficiency apply in respect of our production plants. Many of our products contribute to improving energy efficiency. Energy efficiency improvement is a very important lever to save energy The International Energy Agency estimates that global energy efficiency could cut carbon emissions from energy use by more than half every year until 2030. There is huge potential for raising energy efficiency in buildings,
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation household appliances and vehicles, for instance. . Energy efficiency must not be confused with absolute energy savings. An absolute energy consumption target (as given e.g. as an indicative goal by the EU Energy Efficiency Directive) can not only be reached via an increase in energy efficiency, but also via limiting or reducing production. . Our production methods are energy efficient BASF utilizes energy efficient chemical methods and technical innovations. We make use of the Verbund and combined heat and power plants to minimize specific energy consumption. We aim to raise the energy efficiency of our processes – measured as the amount of sales products produced in relation to the primary energy required for their production - by another 35 percent by 2020 as compared with 2002 by numerous improvements in existing plants as well as by new highly energy efficient production facilities. This is a global goal to which each process or site makes an individual contribution. By 2012, we already reached 26 percent. Our products facilitate energy efficiency, especially in the building sector Our products and solutions help our customers to save energy and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Insulating materials for buildings, plastic components for cars, and fuel additives are just a few specific examples. Climate Protection includes the company's measures relating to the reduction of GHG emissions / energy consumption within its operations and through ist products.
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Reference(s)1 Constituency
262, 407
Financial Markets & Information Users May 2013 Page 6 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
climate change strategy greenhouse gas emissions (direct and indirect) energy consumption action plans to reduce GHG emissions / energy consumption business risks which the consequences of climate change will entail for the company and related countermeasures The chemicals industry is one of the main emitters of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2. The industry sector is responsible for 21 per cent of global GHG emissions. Out of these, 22 per cent of the emissions can be ascribed to chemicals and petrochemicals. In the chemicals sector, CO2 is produced both by the burning of fossil fuels to generate power in the factories themselves and indirectly by the external procurement of energy from external suppliers. In addition, NOx, methane and other climate-relevant gases are released in the manufacturing process. It must be noted that most companies are currently much more vocal in publicizing the solutions which chemical products (such as insulation materials) could potentially provide to help protect the climate than in mentioning the negative role played by the industry here. Many companies also need to improve the way in which they portray the business risks which the consequences of climate change will entail for their companies, as well as the countermeasures they intend to implement. Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 7 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
Chemical companies are major consumers of electricity and fossil fuels—primarily oil and natural gas. Chemical companies have significant opportunities to improve the efficiency of core operations, driving business value through cost reductions based on sustainable energy initiatives. For this reason, they have a significant opportunity to transform their core operations through improved energy efficiency and through innovations in sustainable energy.
1
Mediating Institution
281, 283
Business
The chemicals industry is highly energy intensive. In certain countries it can account for more than 5 percent of total annual energy consumption—as fuel and power as well as raw materials— and close to 20 percent of all industrial energy consumption. Natural gas and oil comprise the bulk of the industry’s energy consumption. Chemical companies also use a significant amount of electricity and steam. For some chemical products, energy accounts for up to 85 percent of total production costs. Effective resource and environmental management is a key attribute of sustainability. Energy consumption and efficiency; Greenhouse gas emissions and intensity; and Water consumption. Emissions to air, water and land The chemical industry is an energy and water-intensive industry in which use of these natural resources are an important aspect to manage. Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 8 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic Carbon footprint
Topic Specification (if available) Product transportation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
Detailed carbon measurement (Supply chain structure, Vehicle utilization, Fuel efficiency, Carbon intensity of fuel, etc.)
373
Business
153
Financial Markets & Information Users Business
To identify how we can improve the performance of the logistics operations of the chemical industry, we must first understand its current carbon footprint. By developing a common understanding of how to calculate this, along with related issues and challenges, individual companies will be able to assess themselves in a way that is comparable across the industry. Total CO2, NOx, SOx, VOC emissions in million tonnes
Emissions to air
Emissions to air - GHG emissions
Explanation
Management and reduction strategies
Policies should support the development of new technologies and practices that ensure that the most efficient and sustainable disposal, recovery or recycling options are implemented. (For example, by using the “stored energy” in chemical products such as plastics.)
284, 350
The chemical industry recognizes its responsibility to contribute to efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The industry’s goals in this regard are to reduce its own emissions by improving its processes and to encourage the use of chemical products that create a net emission reduction along the value chain. Disposal methods for chemistry-based products (e.g., landfill, incineration with or without heat recovery and recycling) are unequal across regions, which has a significant Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
impact on total emissions over the life cycle of a product. Effective resource and environmental management is a key attribute of sustainability.
281, 283
Business
40
Business
Energy consumption and efficiency; Greenhouse gas emissions and intensity; and Water consumption. Emissions to air, water and land The chemical industry is an energy and water-intensive industry in which use of these natural resources are an important aspect to manage. Climate What is BASF's position on climate policy? • Climate protection is an important concern for BASF Emissions of greenhouse gases have to be reduced. We take measures to help achieve this goal. These measures include our products for climate protection and our effort to reduce GHG emissions along the value chain. We also advocate for a global agreement on climate change. • Climate policy must be global in scope Climate change is a global phenomenon. Therefore, each country must contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union´s very ambitious unilateral emission reduction targets put the EU´s competitiveness at risk and incentivize the migration of investments and jobs outside the EU (carbon leakage). As a consequence of this unilateral climate policy, emissions are simply increased in other parts of the world, Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 10 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
undermining efforts to fight against climate change. Why is climate policy relevant for BASF? Climate protection is a key element of BASF's sustainability strategy. Our production methods are already highly energy-efficient and are continuously being improved. Our products facilitate greenhouse gas reduction in many areas, including construction and housing, agriculture, mobility and energy production. The aim of climate policy is to curb global warming. To this end, emission of greenhouse gases must be limited. The UN climate change conference in Durban in 2011 (COP 17), had two main outcomes: The extension of the Kyoto Protocol, which sets binding emission reduction targets for industrialized countries, for a second commitment period (CP2) and an agreement to develop by 2015 (to take effect as of 2020) a “protocol, another legal instrument or an agreed outcome with legal force” applicable to all parties to the UNFCCC. However, CP2 will cover only about 15 percent of global emissions, with the details still in need of clarification (planned to occur in the course of 2012). Additionally, a great element of uncertainty remains with respect to the “international agreement” given its unknown structure and content. The EU should not set itself even higher unilateral targets. A reliable long-term political framework with comparable international efforts is necessary to encourage low-carbon development in the EU. The EU should focus on implementing the agreed climate target Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 11 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
of a 20% emission reduction by 2020 (compared with 1990) and develop a post-2020 system. The EU should refrain from unilaterally increasing this target beyond 20% in the absence of comparable binding commitments from other countries. • Raising energy efficiency must be a top priority Climate protection is more effective the lower the costs are of the required measures. In the short to mediumterm, the greatest effects can be achieved by raising energy efficiency. This results in particularly high greenhouse gas reductions in the countries and sectors with the lowest baseline levels of energy efficiency. Untapped potential in raising energy efficiency is particularly large in the building and transportation sectors. Energy-intensive industries must not be penalized Climate protection must not result in a one-sided cost burden for energy-intensive industries. The innovativeness of all industries is needed to continue developing products and solutions that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/sustainability /dialogue/in-dialogue-with-politics/climate-change/index
Emissions to air - GHG emissions
Production and power
www.basf.com/climate_protection www.basf.com/recource_conservation www.basf.com/corporate_carbon_footprint Climate Protection includes the company's measures relating to the reduction of GHG emissions / energy
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Sustainability Category
Topic and other emissions
Topic Specification (if available) generation
Explanation consumption within its operations and through ist products.
Reference(s)1 Constituency Information Users
climate change strategy greenhouse gas emissions (direct and indirect) energy consumption action plans to reduce GHG emissions / energy consumption business risks which the consequences of climate change will entail for the company and related countermeasures The chemicals industry is one of the main emitters of anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2. The industry sector is responsible for 21 per cent of global GHG emissions. Out of these, 22 per cent of the emissions can be ascribed to chemicals and petrochemicals. In the chemicals sector, CO2 is produced both by the burning of fossil fuels to generate power in the factories themselves and indirectly by the external procurement of energy from external suppliers. In addition, NOx, methane and other climate-relevant gases are released in the manufacturing process. It must be noted that most companies are currently much more vocal in publicising the solutions which chemical products (such as insulation materials) could potentially provide to help protect the climate than in mentioning the negative role played by the industry here. Many companies also need to improve the way in which they portray the business risks which the Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 13 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Water use efficiency
Topic Specification (if available)
Water consumption management and reduction
Explanation consequences of climate change will entail for their companies, as well as the countermeasures they intend to implement. Water (in m3) used per amount (e.g. in tonnes) of product manufactured Groundwater consumption in m3 Waste effluent water in cubic meters Effective resource and environmental management is a key attribute of sustainability.
Reference(s)1 Constituency
153
281, 283
Financial Markets & Information Users Business
69
Business
Energy consumption and efficiency; Greenhouse gas emissions and intensity; and Water consumption. Emissions to air, water and land The chemical industry is an energy and water-intensive industry in which use of these natural resources are an important aspect to manage. The water quantity challenge is to be tackled by reducing the consumption of water in the chemical industry through: New design of processes requiring less water, new sustainable cooling systems without water, and internal recycling and reuse; Reduction of the use of fresh water and drinking water resources (sustainable use of alternative sources such as desalination and waste water from urban areas); Waste water treatment and management. The chemical industry is, on the one hand, one of the biggest consuming industries, and, on the other hand, one of the biggest providers of water treatment Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 14 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
materials and technologies. While serving other industries with innovations regarding water use, the chemical industry has to reduce its own water consumption too. Water
42
Business
www.basf.com/water BASF is contributing to the sustainable use of water: - Our water conservation activities involve our production and our products. - We have decreased specific water use in our production, reduced emissions to water and we are evaluating water protection and supply concepts at our sites. - Our products contribute to water catchment and help our customers to save water and reduce emissions to water. - We already use the Eco-Efficiency Analysis to evaluate products and processes with respect to their emissions to water. In 2009, we also started incorporating new criteria such as local water scarcity into the methodology. Communication and dialogue: In our corporate report we disclose annually our water balance and the current target achievement status in reducing emissions to water. . BASF provides focused information regarding water issues on our Sustainability Center website: http://www.basf.com/water. . We Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 15 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
contribute our know-how to partnerships and international initiatives. Focus for the future: . We develop products and solutions that help our customers to save water or reduce emissions to water. . We are engaged in optimizing our production plants and processes to reduce the demand for resources. . As a research-based chemical company we offer intelligent solutions with innovative ideas. Water is essential: - Without water – no life; - no energy; - no trade. - The worldwide water crisis is real and is worsening through mega trends such as climate change, growing world population, urbanization and increasing living standards. - The access to clean water ranks among the global challenges of the future and is part of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. - Clean water is the most important requirement for public health, as well as for preserving ecosystems. - Water delivers social, environmental and economic benefits at the same time. Significance of water for BASF - The sustainable use of water and the conservation of water resources worldwide are important concerns for BASF. - Water is essential for economic growth and industry. Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
- Without water, chemical production would not be possible.
Water withdrawal
Biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) impact management
Water consumption and management in water scarce areas
The BASF approach - The reason of the world water crisis is not global water scarcity but local water deficits. Water use does not automatically lead to environmental damage. - We do not set ourselves a global reduction goal for water use as the sustainable use of water resources depends substantially on regional, local and temporal factors. - Water, energy and other environmental impacts must be addressed together in order to avoid that a decrease in water use leads to other negative impacts on the environment. Water related risks
543
Financial Markets & Information Users
37
Business
similarly to electric utilities, water usage and sourcing stress may become a key operational factor for the chemical industry, hence may acquire materiality Biodiversity The 1992 Earth Summit at Rio de Janeiro showed that companies can make an important contribution to biodiversity and its long-term benefits. BASF meets its responsibilities for instance through local initiatives. http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/sustainability /environment/biodiversity/index
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
We continuously optimize our processes by implementing a wide variety of measures at our own production sites. In this way we contribute to energy efficiency, resource conservation and climate protection, reduce air and water emissions and avoid waste generation. With innovative products and services we empower our customers to handle natural resources efficiently. Resource conservation is an important element of our corporate strategy and our research and development activities. We support environmental awareness and education programs. We implement projects to encourage the protection of biodiversity at the local level.
Wastewater
Management and treatment
In order to preserve and foster biodiversity in agriculture, we participate in initiatives for the protection and conservation of ecosystems. For example, we test various possibilities on a farm in the United Kingdom in order to even better harmonize economic success with the protection of biodiversity. In France, we work with partners in a network promoting bee health and biodiversity. Using our AgBalance® method, we evaluate biodiversity as one of the 16 assessment categories in agricultural production. The water quantity challenge is to be tackled by reducing the consumption of water in the chemical industry through: New design of processes requiring less water, new sustainable cooling systems without water, and
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Business
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
internal recycling and reuse; Reduction of the use of fresh water and drinking water resources (sustainable use of alternative sources such as desalination and waste water from urban areas); Waste water treatment and management.
Water pollution
Fire-fighting water run-off
Production process and use of end products
The chemical industry is, on the one hand, one of the biggest consuming industries, and, on the other hand, one of the biggest providers of water treatment materials and technologies. While serving other industries with innovations regarding water use, the chemical industry has to reduce its own water consumption too. Environmental damage limitation from fire-fighting water run-off The information of this TR is applicable to commercial facilities, such as warehouses, chemical storage facilities, refineries, process plants which handle and/or store products with a potential pollution potency, and vehicles for the transport of such substances. It is only applicable to land-based operations (i.e. not oil tankers or off-shore oil drilling platforms), and to wildland fires. TOP 2 components of emissions to water by environmental performance (according to TRI; PRTR; and EPER) Emissions of Nitrogen to water in ’000 metric tonnes/year Water
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318
Mediating Institution
153
Financial Markets & Information Users
42
Business
May 2013 Page 19 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
www.basf.com/water BASF is contributing to the sustainable use of water: - Our water conservation activities involve our production and our products. - We have decreased specific water use in our production, reduced emissions to water and we are evaluating water protection and supply concepts at our sites. - Our products contribute to water catchment and help our customers to save water and reduce emissions to water. - We already use the Eco-Efficiency Analysis to evaluate products and processes with respect to their emissions to water. In 2009, we also started incorporating new criteria such as local water scarcity into the methodology. Communication and dialogue: . In our corporate report we disclose annually our water balance and the current target achievement status in reducing emissions to water. . BASF provides focused information regarding water issues on our Sustainability Center website: http://www.basf.com/water. . We contribute our know-how to partnerships and international initiatives. Focus for the future: . We develop products and solutions that help our customers to save water or reduce emissions to water. . We are engaged in optimizing our production plants Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 20 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
and processes to reduce the demand for resources. . As a research-based chemical company we offer intelligent solutions with innovative ideas. Water is essential: - Without water – no life; - no energy; - no trade. - The worldwide water crisis is real and is worsening through mega trends such as climate change, growing world population, urbanization and increasing living standards. - The access to clean water ranks among the global challenges of the future and is part of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. - Clean water is the most important requirement for public health, as well as for preserving ecosystems. - Water delivers social, environmental and economic benefits at the same time. Significance of water for BASF - The sustainable use of water and the conservation of water resources worldwide are important concerns for BASF. - Water is essential for economic growth and industry. - Without water, chemical production would not be possible. The BASF approach - The reason of the world water crisis is not global water scarcity but local water deficits. Water use does not automatically lead to environmental damage. Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 21 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation - We do not set ourselves a global reduction goal for water use as the sustainable use of water resources depends substantially on regional, local and temporal factors. - Water, energy and other environmental impacts must be addressed together in order to avoid that a decrease in water use leads to other negative impacts on the environment. Effective resource and environmental management is a key attribute of sustainability.
Reference(s)1 Constituency
281, 283
Business
529
Mediating Institution
407, 413
Financial Markets & Information Users
Energy consumption and efficiency; Greenhouse gas emissions and intensity; and Water consumption. Emissions to air, water and land
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of products
Chemicals and chemical products
Impacts on environment and on human health by chemicals and
The chemical industry is an energy and water-intensive industry in which use of these natural resources are an important aspect to manage. Poor management of chemicals across lifecycles contributes to inefficiencies in the chemicals industry, with increased risks leading to higher insurance costs, loss of productivity and significant reputation impacts. It also stresses the following implications related to the chemical intensification of developing countries’ economies Chemical and product safety relates to the investigation and management of the impact of the company's substances/products across the entire life-cycle. responsible marketing
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May 2013 Page 22 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available) chemical products
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
- product safety information - use and distribution of controversial products and substances - animal testing The chemicals industry brings large numbers of new chemical compounds and products onto the market every year. The benefit of many of these products is often offset by a corresponding risk. Assessing the impact of chemicals and chemical products on the environment and on human health is therefore extremely important. According to the study “Global Chemicals Outlook – Towards Sound Management of Chemicals”, published in 2012 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), only a very small proportion of the chemicals which are currently on the global market have been subjected to a comprehensive risk assessment. This topic is not only material for conventional chemical compounds, but also for new technologies. Particularly in the field of nanotechnology, which has the potential to make products and production processes in many industries more environmentally sound (cf. on this subject the oekom Position Paper Nanotechnology), it is evident that companies often bring products onto the market without first carrying out long-term and, most importantly, independent studies. The situation is similar in the case of GM products (e.g. transgenic seed) which have been on the market for some time now but which
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Nanotechnology
Explanation have yet to undergo objective risk-benefit analysis. Additional reference document: “Global Chemicals Outlook – Towards Sound Management of Chemicals”, published in 2012 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Chemical and product safety relates to the investigation and management of the impact of the company's substances/products across the entire life-cycle.
Reference(s)1 Constituency
407, 413
Financial Markets & Information Users
responsible marketing - product safety information - use and distribution of controversial products and substances - animal testing The chemicals industry brings large numbers of new chemical compounds and products onto the market every year. The benefit of many of these products is often offset by a corresponding risk. Assessing the impact of chemicals and chemical products on the environment and on human health is therefore extremely important. According to the study “Global Chemicals Outlook – Towards Sound Management of Chemicals”, published in 2012 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), only a very small proportion of the chemicals which are currently on the global market have been subjected to a comprehensive risk assessment. This topic is not only material for conventional chemical Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 24 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
compounds, but also for new technologies. Particularly in the field of nanotechnology, which has the potential to make products and production processes in many industries more environmentally sound (cf. on this subject the oekom Position Paper Nanotechnology), it is evident that companies often bring products onto the market without first carrying out long-term and, most importantly, independent studies. The situation is similar in the case of GM products (e.g. transgenic seed) which have been on the market for some time now but which have yet to undergo objective risk-benefit analysis. Additional reference document: “Global Chemicals Outlook – Towards Sound Management of Chemicals”, published in 2012 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available) Plastic
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
Plastic, a valuable material, can generate significant positive, or negative, impacts on economy, environment and society. Plastic should be treated as a resource and managed judiciously.
353
Civil Society Organization
A disclosure on management approach for plastics, including governance, strategy, risks, opportunities, considering: opportunities for product redesign, increasing recycled content, implementing reclaim and/or reuse which could attract economies, brand loyalty, investment, employee goodwill, and; risks to the business, stakeholder health, environment and society (including reputational/social license to operate, regulatory, investor, insurer, and liability risks) for plastics that are directly harmful to stakeholders, or indirectly through plastics being wasted/littered. Performance indicators regarding the types and volumes of plastics being produced, used, collected and/or distributed downstream; the portion that is made of post-consumer-recycled, bio-based, biodegradable, compostable, and/or oxobiodegradable material; the ratio of expected life-span of plastic products in contrast to the duration of their intended use; these volumes broken down by end of life disposition. Most of this disclosure can be captured through the existing GRI framework (e.g. GRI G3 EC9, EN1, EN2, EN22), but commentary is needed to ensure disclosers appreciate the materiality of plastic; other questions can be added to the framework. Refer to the Plastic Disclosure Project (www.plasticdisclosure.org) for more Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 26 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
details on the suggested questions. PDP will align its questions to GRI G4 once finalised to assist organisations in disclosing to PDP and GRI easily. Plastic can have significant positive, or negative, impacts on the economy, environment and society: Economics: There are significant cost savings available to organisations that treat plastic as a resource (e.g. through redesign, use of recycled content, reclaiming, etc.) and risks of increased direct costs (regulation, liability, cost of capital, insurance) to organisations that do not lead in this area as well as indirect economic costs to impacted industries (e.g. food production, tourism) Environment: Plastics that are wasted or littered become extremely harmful to the environment, which will have a material effect on biodiversity and the global food chain, both nearby and far outside the local area of operations Society: Some plastics are harmful to stakeholders during manufacture, use and/or disposal (e.g. due to phthalates, BPA), impact the wellbeing of society (e.g. effect of litter on community spirit and their interest in sustainability). While a valuable invention, which benefits society in many ways, the negative impacts associated with society's growing use of plastic are not fully recognised. Roughly 85% of plastic used in products and packaging is not recycled, and most plastic produced in the last 60 years still remains in the environment today. Discarded Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 27 of 62
Sustainability Category
Social
Topic
Human and labor rights management
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
plastics persist in the environment for dozens or hundreds of years, accumulating across the globe, often out of sight of the producers and users. The direct physical impacts of plastic are significant to the organisation in increased costs or missed opportunities, and related economies (e.g. over $1.2bn in annual damages to ocean-related industries in Asia-Pacific), the environment through harming habitats and species, and to stakeholders health when exposed to the chemical ingredients; and are magnified if fragmentation of the plastic occurs, making it available for ingestion to additional species, who adsorb the chemical ingredients and/or the toxins carried on the plastic. These negative impacts could be avoided and turned into positive impacts, if plastic was treated as a resource to be managed judiciously (e.g. the US economy lost $8.3bn worth of plastic packaging in 2010) - "It is not good business practice to throw away valuable resources". Human & labor rights
540
Business
The UN Guiding Principles outline the types of information required for a company to show its responsibility to respect human rights. These include: 1. Human rights policy. 2. Human rights due diligence consisting of human rights impact assessments as well as integration of human rights criteria into management and monitoring systems. 3. Grievance mechanisms. Importantly, however, these elements of human rights risk management can refer to relevant programs which do not explicitly refer to the term ‘human rights’, such as
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 28 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
programs on compliance, health and safety, or social & labor standards. http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/sustainability /employees/human-rights/index 1. The UN Guiding Principles have set the agenda for the topic of business & human rights. 2. By influencing the recent updates and developments of international standards and EU / national regulation, the topic of business & human rights increasingly affects the chemical industry directly and indirectly (e.g. through customer requirements). Relevant international standards in this context include the OECD Guidelines for MNE, the IFC Performance Standards and others.
Occupational health and safety management
Plant operation and freight transport
The topic of business & human rights increasingly includes human rights due diligence in business relationships, moving beyond a company’s own operations. In terms of human rights, few companies [chemicals] have yet developed a strong approach towards the management of labour rights in their worldwide operations, although Rhodia and Umicore are leading the way. Safety aspects of plant operation (including the safety of employees) and transportation. * management systems and measures for complying with and promoting safety in the workplace (including information on the scope of management
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
479
Business
139, 407
Financial Markets & Information Users
May 2013 Page 29 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
systems/measures) - safety standards for freight transport or disaster prevention - involvement of the local population in emergency plans - information policies about the products manufactured and processes used on site Safety aspects of plant operation and of transportation play an important role in the production of materials which are potentially hazardous to health and the environment. Incidents such as gas explosions, uncontrolled chemical reactions in plants or the contamination of soil, water and air present severe risks for employees and neighbouring communities. Over the past two decades, the chemicals industry’s global “Responsible Care” initiative has helped bring this about. Nonetheless, despite the companies’ overall progress (e.g. falling accident rates) marked differences are evident in the detail. It often remains unclear whether the measures described – for example regarding safety standards for freight transport or disaster prevention – apply worldwide or only to sites in the industrialised countries. Particularly in emerging and developing countries such as China, the situation is seldom transparent. Protecting and promoting people
282, 283
Business
Number of recordable injuries/illnesses in the workplace Number of recordable injuries/illnesses involving days Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 30 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
away from the job Number of workplace fatalities Number of chemical industry employees Average salary of chemical employee Protecting and promoting people are key sustainability attributes. Compared to companies in other sectors, chemical firms tend to be strong on health and safety, with a high level of disclosure and proof of leadership (policies and targets), implementation (technologies, training and other resources) and results (tracking indicators over time).
Occupational health and safety risks
Exposure to toxic chemicals
Labor conditions
Human capital development
* Training budget and breakdown by employee categories. * Accident frequency and severity rates. Workers in industries using chemicals are especially vulnerable through exposure to toxic chemicals and related health effects. high blood lead levels among workers at lead-acid battery manufacturing and recycling plants and flame retardant exposures among workers in electronic waste recycling Human capital development
479
Business
529
Mediating Institution
38
Business
Human capital development refers to a range of challenges, including personnel development, diversity, work-life balance and demographic change. Accordingly, types of information should include: average days of training as well as investment into vocational and career Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 31 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
training (see personnel development); employee structure (see diversity); age structure (see demographic change). basf.com/demographic_change basf.com/diversity basf.com/apprenticeship basf.com/worklife_balance basf.com/employeerepresentation
Process and product innovation
Innovation management process
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of chemical
The best team needs committed, performance-driven employees. We want to recruit and retain the best talent, and in doing so, we value diversity in our teams. We invest in our attractiveness as an employer, offer our employees career development opportunities and support them in achieving work-life balance. Sustainable innovation the materiality of this topic has been flagged in different forms by other participants. What I would add here is that the entire innovation management process chain should be part of a materiality discussion, rather than only aspects of it, such as product design and development, environmental innovation etc.). This includes also the way that knowledge is created or acquired, transformed and retained within a company in an ever-changing, restructuring, consolidating industry. Life-cycle assessment, closed loop approach, risk analysis, reduction of risks, increase safety, environmental product declaration, ...
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
108
Financial Markets & Information Users
68, 165
Business
May 2013 Page 32 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available) products
Explanation It is important to integrate all pillars of sustainability in any decision-making process. The main benefit of this approach is that it helps prevent problem-shifting. It ensures that all aspects of a product or service’s life cycle are considered to generate an optimum solution. A further benefit is that, by linking all impacts to the service provided by the product, it helps optimise service delivery and improve resource efficiency. The latest materials to raise concern are those arising from synthetic biology and engineered nanomaterials. With the accelerated pace at which new technologies and chemicals are being deployed (Poliakoff et al. 2002), a different approach is needed in which their implications are systematically and comprehensively assessed before they reach production.
Reference(s)1 Constituency
528
The use of green chemistry principles in chemical design and the adoption of clean production processes may help to prevent problems at a later stage. While this is happening in some parts of the world through the use of exposure models for some technologies and chemicals, life-cycle analysis has yet to become a universal systematic approach. The high number and diversity of chemicals and the complexity of their life cycles inevitably lead to a situation where the scientific understanding of the impacts of chemicals, and the regulatory schemes used to manage them, lag behind technological and economic developments. Areas where companies may reduce the risks posed by 165, 285 their products include: • Product Conception Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
Mediating Institution
Business
May 2013 Page 33 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
determining the role the product will play and how it will play it. • Product Design - creating the product so that it works safely and effectively. • Process Safety developing a manufacturing process that ensure the safe and reliable production. • Distribution and Use - the shipping, handling, storage and use of the product, often by customers or other stakeholders. • End of Life - the disposal or destruction of the product, and this too is often managed by customers or other stakeholders. Each product must be viewed holistically in terms of what it is designed to do, how it is made, shipped, used and disposed. Typically, there are no simple, formulaic ways to reduce risk, and each measure must be closely analyzed to avoid unintended consequences.
Product stewardship
Application of biotechnology
Product stewardship is the industry’s management of the health, safety and environmental aspects of a product throughout its total life cycle, working in cooperation with upstream and downstream users. Product stewardship similarly to what I describe for sustainable innovation, inputs from different stakeholders hint at various aspects of product stewardship (lifecycle, raw materials, product toxicity etc). I recommend consolidating all these aspects under one common umbrella as they are all highly interlinked. Biotechnology provides tools for adapting and modifying the biological organisms, products, processes and systems found in nature to develop processes that are
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
157
Financial Markets & Information Users
417
Mediating Institution
May 2013 Page 34 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
eco-efficient and products that are not only more profitable but also more environment-friendly. It is also providing an increasing range of tools for industry to continue improving cost and environmental performance beyond what could normally be achieved using conventional chemical technologies. The microorganisms used for industrial bio-processing or for production of industrial enzymes are selected to avoid use of pathogenic organisms. Occupational health regulations also impose rules on their handling in the workplace and, after they are used, they are inactivated by sterilization. The resulting organic material is usually composted. This breaks down the DNA and protein components and the compost can be used as fertilizer to maintain the level of organic material in the soil.
Innovation and chemical product development
New technologies, which bring improvements in production, must also bring improvements in “ecoefficiency”. Technological innovation is a key means of achieving cleaner production and sustainable industrial growth. However, “cleaner” should not be confused with “sustainable”. Sustainable means clean enough to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs The chemical sector comprises companies that develop, manufacture and distribute specialty and commodity chemicals, plastics, industrial gases, agrochemicals and additives for the healthcare and wellness industries. Innovative process and product developments remain key sectoral drivers. Nevertheless, growing awareness of
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
460
Financial Markets & Information Users
May 2013 Page 35 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Investment and research in innovation of chemical products Safer chemicals, solvents and auxiliaries
Explanation the environmental impact of chemical operations has resulted in legislative and consumer-driven pressure on the industry to adopt more sustainable approaches, such as implementing strict emission controls or corporate social responsibility initiatives. Investment in and research for new technologies that can be used in several industries, for example agriculture, transport, raw materials, energy, etc. Most industries need to be renewed, and the chemical industry can provide the tools for this. Principles of Green Chemistry: 2. Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses (Wherever practicable, synthetic methods should be designed to use and generate substances that possess little or no toxicity to human health and the environment), 3. Designing Safer Chemicals (Chemical products should be designed to affect their desired function while minimizing their toxicity), 4. Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries (The use of auxiliary substances (e.g., solvents, separation agents, etc.) should be made unnecessary wherever possible and innocuous when used), 10. Design for Degradation (Chemical products should be designed so that at the end of their function they break down into innocuous degradation products and do not persist in the environment). New legislation such as the REACH Directive, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive, and other significant EU legislation, are expected to drive product-
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
Reference(s)1 Constituency
69
Business
19
Civil Society Organization
165
Mediating Institution
May 2013 Page 36 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
detoxification trends within the consumer product industry for the foreseeable future. This will most likely increase demand for safer chemicals amongst consumer product manufacturers, creating both challenges and opportunities for their specialty chemical suppliers. Over the next 5-10 years, ‘green’ chemical innovation could be a significant source of competitive advantage for companies manufacturing chemicals used in consumer products, particularly in markets where brand or product differentiation based on ‘green’ credentials is a key component of value for the final consumer. There is growing scientific research into, and public concern over, the environmental and health risks associated with widespread use of certain synthetic chemicals. Concern is greatest over chemicals which are toxic, highly persistent, long-range, and which bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans (i.e. so-called persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as dioxins and furans, PCBs and phthalates). These concerns have resulted in pressure from NGOs on consumer product retailers to adopt more responsible sourcing practices, and a growing trend amongst retailers of adopting ‘green’ chemical sourcing policies for their supply chains. Although the use and disposal of such chemicals has been linked to a number of human health concerns such as various forms of cancer as well as reproductive and developmental effects, there are still relatively few data available on the health impacts of a large number of Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 37 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
chemicals widely used in the European marketplace. The proposed EU Regulation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) Directive, final adoption of which is expected in 2006, is geared at addressing this lack of information and in turn providing a basis for the establishment of better safeguards for public health.
Product safety information and communications
Product toxicity
Risk assessment of products
Sector Report New product development requires more sustainable process designs involving (bio) catalyzed reactions and the replacement of traditional solvents and hazardous reagents with renewable materials. One of the biggest challenges for the European chemicals industry in the next few years lies in the implementation of the REACH regulation, which will require companies to invest significantly in assessing and reducing the toxicity of their products. REACH, which became operational in 2008, will ensure that the gaps on existing information on the hazardous properties of some 30,000 chemicals are filled, and that necessary information on safe use of substance is transmitted along the industrial supply chain leading to reduced risks for consumers and the environment. Consumer concerns regarding toxic chemicals in products will also continue to drive upward pressure for certain phase-outs. Companies may see a drastic decrease in demand for products incorporating high-profile chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. Chemical and product safety relates to the investigation and management of the impact of the company's
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
460
479
407, 413
Financial Markets & Information Users Business
Financial Markets & May 2013 Page 38 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation substances/products across the entire life-cycle.
Reference(s)1 Constituency Information Users
Responsible marketing - product safety information - use and distribution of controversial products and substances - animal testing The chemicals industry brings large numbers of new chemical compounds and products onto the market every year. The benefit of many of these products is often offset by a corresponding risk. Assessing the impact of chemicals and chemical products on the environment and on human health is therefore extremely important. According to the study “Global Chemicals Outlook – Towards Sound Management of Chemicals”, published in 2012 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), only a very small proportion of the chemicals which are currently on the global market have been subjected to a comprehensive risk assessment. This topic is not only material for conventional chemical compounds, but also for new technologies. Particularly in the field of nanotechnology, which has the potential to make products and production processes in many industries more environmentally sound (cf. on this subject the oekom Position Paper Nanotechnology), it is evident that companies often bring products onto the market without first carrying out long-term and, most Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 39 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
importantly, independent studies. The situation is similar in the case of GM products (e.g. transgenic seed) which have been on the market for some time now but which have yet to undergo objective risk-benefit analysis. Additional reference document: “Global Chemicals Outlook – Towards Sound Management of Chemicals”, published in 2012 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Product safety and stewardship
250, 251
Business
Senior leadership commitment to the safety of the company's products; Product safety information is gathered and shared along the supply chain and with the public; Companies prioritize their chemical products based on risk; Companies conduct risk assessment of their products, commensurate with risk, and establish management measures so that their products can be safely used for their intended purposes; Number of accidents involving chemicals in transit (road, rail, barge, etc.) Safe chemical products are an essential part of a sustainable future. ICCA and the chemical industry are committed to defining safe use conditions for chemicals in commerce, applying safe and environmentally sound management practices, and making relevant information publicly available. We are also committed to working along the supply chain to assure that chemicals can be safely used for the intended purposes and to sharing product safety information with the public. Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 40 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
Product stewardship
36
Business
460
Financial Markets & Information Users
We make sure that our products are safe and do not pose a danger to people or the environment when they are used responsibly and in the manner intended. We ensure that our information on this topic is always up to date and are quick to include new information in our risk assessments. Thanks to the fact that all regions are incorporated into a global product database, we are able to provide information about our products worldwide at any time. http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/sustainability /management-and-instruments/gps/productstewardship www.basf.com/gps_e
Product stewardship management system
http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/sustainability /environment/product-stewardship/index http://www.basf.com/group/corporate/en/sustainability /management-and-instruments/responsible-care New product applications require the implementation of comprehensive product stewardship management systems that include product databases and client training.
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 41 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic International chemical industry regulations and/or agreements
Topic Specification (if available) Responsible Care Global Charter
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
General statement on Responsible Care® and sustainability. Responsible Care is the prevailing ethic which guides the health, safety and environmental performance of the global chemical industry. In place for nearly 25 years, its concepts of working with communities, sharing information along the supply chain and continuously improving performance were in place well before the emergence of “sustainable development” as a prevailing concept for aspirational performance. The global chemical industry therefore continues to build on the Responsible Care ethic to strengthen its commitment to sustainability.
282, 283
Business
Responsible Care is the centerpiece of the global chemical industry’s commitment to sustainability. It embodies the spirit of continuous improvement, encompassing expectations in the areas of occupational health and safety, environmental performance, resource efficiency, product stewardship, transportation safety, process safety, community outreach and emergency preparedness and response. Responsible Care companies and associations are also committed to openness in reporting their performance, and in this vein, the ICCA annually compiles a Responsible Care Status Report which provides country-by-country performance data on key environmental, health and safety indicators. Responsible Care has engendered a worldwide program of continuous performance improvement in the chemical Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 42 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
industry’s operations and business practices. While historically these improvements have been sought in the areas of environmental protection, occupational safety and community outreach, it is clear that today’s expectations and challenges are related to sustainable patterns of consumption and production, focusing on building sustainable supply chains, cradle-to-cradle lifecycles, biodiversity, and developing technologies that will enhance the environment and the quality of life green technologies. The global chemical industry will play a major role in developing innovative solutions, and believes that Responsible Care provides a robust foundation from which to embrace these sustainable development challenges as they develop and change over time, while enhancing our industry’s value proposition and competitiveness. Contributing to sustainable development for the chemistry business is an expansion and natural evolution of the Responsible Care journey. Chemistry companies have been implementing elements of sustainable development for many years through Responsible Care and self-directed company initiatives. And in recent years, many national Responsible Care initiatives have evolved to directly address key sustainability issues, such as engagement on worker safety, carbon management, development of sustainable products and processes, and safer and more efficient use of chemical products. Safety aspects of plant operation (including the safety of employees) and transportation. Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
139, 407
Financial Markets & May 2013 Page 43 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
* management systems and measures for complying with and promoting safety in the workplace (including information on the scope of management systems/measures) - safety standards for freight transport or disaster prevention - involvement of the local population in emergency plans - information policies about the products manufactured and processes used on site
Information Users
Safety aspects of plant operation and of transportation play an important role in the production of materials which are potentially hazardous to health and the environment. Incidents such as gas explosions, uncontrolled chemical reactions in plants or the contamination of soil, water and air present severe risks for employees and neighbouring communities. Over the past two decades, the chemicals industry’s global “Responsible Care” initiative has helped bring this about. Nonetheless, despite the companies’ overall progress (e.g. falling accident rates) marked differences are evident in the detail. It often remains unclear whether the measures described – for example regarding safety standards for freight transport or disaster prevention – apply worldwide or only to sites in the industrialised countries. Particularly in emerging and developing countries such as China, the situation is seldom transparent. One of the biggest challenges for the European chemicals Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
479
Business May 2013 Page 44 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation industry in the next few years lies in the implementation of the REACH regulation, which will require companies to invest significantly in assessing and reducing the toxicity of their products. REACH, which became operational in 2008, will ensure that the gaps on existing information on the hazardous properties of some 30,000 chemicals are filled, and that necessary information on safe use of substance is transmitted along the industrial supply chain leading to reduced risks for consumers and the environment. Consumer concerns regarding toxic chemicals in products will also continue to drive upward pressure for certain phase-outs. Companies may see a drastic decrease in demand for products incorporating high-profile chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates. New legislation such as the REACH Directive, the Restriction of Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS) Directive, and other significant EU legislation, are expected to drive productdetoxification trends within the consumer product industry for the foreseeable future. This will most likely increase demand for safer chemicals amongst consumer product manufacturers, creating both challenges and opportunities for their specialty chemical suppliers. Over the next 5-10 years, ‘green’ chemical innovation could be a significant source of competitive advantage for companies manufacturing chemicals used in consumer products, particularly in markets where brand or product differentiation based on ‘green’ credentials is a key component of value for the final consumer.
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
Reference(s)1 Constituency
165
Mediating Institution
May 2013 Page 45 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
There is growing scientific research into, and public concern over, the environmental and health risks associated with widespread use of certain synthetic chemicals. Concern is greatest over chemicals which are toxic, highly persistent, long-range, and which bioaccumulate in wildlife and humans (i.e. so-called persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as dioxins and furans, PCBs and phthalates). These concerns have resulted in pressure from NGOs on consumer product retailers to adopt more responsible sourcing practices, and a growing trend amongst retailers of adopting ‘green’ chemical sourcing policies for their supply chains. Although the use and disposal of such chemicals has been linked to a number of human health concerns such as various forms of cancer as well as reproductive and developmental effects, there are still relatively few data available on the health impacts of a large number of chemicals widely used in the European marketplace. The proposed EU Regulation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) Directive, final adoption of which is expected in 2006, is geared at addressing this lack of information and in turn providing a basis for the establishment of better safeguards for public health.
Anticompetitive practices
Sector Report The European Commission recently adopted major reforms to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of detection and enforcement of competition rules, which entered into force in May 2004. These reforms allow
Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
165
Mediating Institution
May 2013 Page 46 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
greater involvement of national courts and national competition authorities in enforcement by making Articles 81 and 82 of the EC Treaty directly applicable in their entirety within member states. By the end of 2005, the European Commission intends to present a Green Paper outlining options to improve the current system of private enforcement against anti-competitive activity. Companies will thus need to enforce their codes of conduct more vigilantly or risk greater penalties for anticompetitive practices in the future. The competitiveness of the European chemicals market requires that large companies not abuse their dominant positions or engage in anti-competitive practices. In a global and increasingly consolidated industry, the risk of firms engaging in anti-competitive behaviour is high. For example, in February 2005 the European Commission charged 18 chemical fi rms with conspiring to fix prices of hydrogen peroxide and derivatives of sodium perborate and sodium percarbonate between 1994 and 2001. Also, in January 2005, three companies (Akzo Nobel, the Hoechst unit of Sanofi -Aventis and Arkema) were fined a total of €217 million for operating a cartel in the market for monochloroacetic acid (MCAA). Fines totalling €66.34 million were similarly imposed in 2004 against Akzo Nobel, BASF and UCB for price fixing and market sharing in the choline chloride market. Under EU law, the Commission may impose fines for anti-cartel violations of up to 10% of a firm’s annual turnover. Sector Report Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 47 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic Emergency preparedness
Topic Specification (if available) Local community engagement
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
Safety aspects of plant operation (including the safety of employees) and transportation.
139, 407
* management systems and measures for complying with and promoting safety in the workplace (including information on the scope of management systems/measures) - safety standards for freight transport or disaster prevention - involvement of the local population in emergency plans - information policies about the products manufactured and processes used on site
Financial Markets & Information Users
Safety aspects of plant operation and of transportation play an important role in the production of materials which are potentially hazardous to health and the environment. Incidents such as gas explosions, uncontrolled chemical reactions in plants or the contamination of soil, water and air present severe risks for employees and neighbouring communities. Over the past two decades, the chemicals industry’s global “Responsible Care” initiative has helped bring this about. Nonetheless, despite the companies’ overall progress (e.g. falling accident rates) marked differences are evident in the detail. It often remains unclear whether the measures described – for example regarding safety standards for freight transport or disaster prevention – apply worldwide or only to sites in the industrialised countries. Particularly in emerging and Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 48 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Political funding
Contributions to political parties
Process safety
Chemical industry accident prevention, preparedness and response
Explanation developing countries such as China, the situation is seldom transparent. Contributions to political parties as a percentage of total revenues
A. Prevention: including all aspects of managing, operating, and controlling a hazardous installation, from its conception to its decommissioning/demolition. B. Preparedness/Mitigation: focusing on preparedness planning, communication with the public, and land-use planning/siting of installations. C. Response: addressing all the actions to be taken once an accident has occurred or there is an imminent threat of an accident, including mitigating adverse effects on health, the environment and property. D. Follow-up to Incidents: including reporting, investigations and medical follow-up activities.
Reference(s)1 Constituency
153
70, 424
Financial Markets & Information Users Business
The objective of these Guiding Principles for Chemical Accident Prevention, Preparedness and Response is to provide guidance, applicable worldwide, to help stakeholders take appropriate actions to prevent accidents involving hazardous substances and to mitigate the adverse effects of accidents that do nevertheless occur. Recent experience, including major accidents in countries with extensive legal requirements and administrative frameworks, demonstrates that legislation and regulations, while necessary, are not sufficient to ensure prevention of accidents or adequate preparedness. It is therefore important for all Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 49 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation stakeholders to undertake additional initiatives and learn from the experience of others. Safety aspects of plant operation (including the safety of employees) and transportation. * management systems and measures for complying with and promoting safety in the workplace (including information on the scope of management systems/measures) - safety standards for freight transport or disaster prevention - involvement of the local population in emergency plans - information policies about the products manufactured and processes used on site
Reference(s)1 Constituency
139, 407
Financial Markets & Information Users
Safety aspects of plant operation and of transportation play an important role in the production of materials which are potentially hazardous to health and the environment. Incidents such as gas explosions, uncontrolled chemical reactions in plants or the contamination of soil, water and air present severe risks for employees and neighbouring communities. Over the past two decades, the chemicals industry’s global “Responsible Care” initiative has helped bring this about. Nonetheless, despite the companies’ overall progress (e.g. falling accident rates) marked differences are evident in the detail. It often remains unclear whether the measures described – for example regarding safety standards for freight transport or disaster Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
May 2013 Page 50 of 62
Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation prevention – apply worldwide or only to sites in the industrialised countries. Particularly in emerging and developing countries such as China, the situation is seldom transparent. Chemical manufacturing requires the knowledge, discipline and systems to manage and promote the safe processing of chemicals. In our industry this is called process safety.
Reference(s)1 Constituency
70, 493
Business
153
Financial Markets & Information Users Business
Number of process safety incidents
Maintenance and safety of production sites and plants
In the past decade, serious process safety accidents have caused loss of life and widespread environmental damage. Investigation of these incidents has uncovered the need for organizations track and report process safety incidents. ICCA is in the process of developing a globally harmonized process safety metric. Regional approaches to tracking and reporting process safety incidents are already in place. Total spendings in monetary terms i.e. currency incl. Indemnity, pay-off, outplacement, hiring, training, consulting It is essential to: Develop or integrate a security policy into the business, Undertake security hazard and risk assessments, Assess site security needs, Undertake awareness raising and security training Security is now a fundamental part of good business management and should be viewed as another facet of risk management. Security should be part of an
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Sustainability Category
Other
Topic
Corporate governance
Topic Specification (if available)
Gender participation on governance bodies
Explanation organisation‘s culture, and integrated into its philosophy, practices and plans. All links in the supply chain must be considered including third party manufacturing, transport, warehousing, customer carriers and customer locations. Product stewardship principles mean that individual companies should consider how they influence their retail chain. The chemical industry must continue to respond to the challenge of increased security measures. Operating and delivering secure sites and products is essential to maintain continued operations. GOVERNANCE / EUROPE: boardroom lady boom: is it possible without quotas? On 22 June, the CapitalCom agency published its 2011 survey into the boardroom gender mix of CAC 40 companies, with fairly encouraging results: the proportion of women on the board has doubled in recent years, from 10.5% in 2009 to 20.8% in 2011.
Reference(s)1 Constituency
389
Financial Markets & Information Users
In January, the French parliament adopted legislation imposing quotas for the proportion of women on the board of major companies. Under the measures, the development of female board membership is mandatory and gradual: 20% for listed groups, public companies of an administrative, industrial and commercial nature by January 2014, rising to 40% by January 2017. The law also stipulates that companies with no women present on their board must appoint at least one within six months of it being on the statute books (voted on 13 January 2011). In France, some 2,000 companies are affected (the 650 largest listed firms and companies with Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
more than 500 employees and those generating sales in excess of €50bn). In terms of sanctions for noncompliance, appointments that run counter to the parity principles are to be declared null and void and attendance fees are to be temporarily suspended. At the European level and at the instigation of the Vicepresident of the European Commission, Viviane Reding, the European parliament will decide in March 2012 on whether to adopt common legislation on this matter (a mandatory proportion of women in decision-making positions of 30% in 2015 and 40% in 2020). This will depend on the level of improvement seen based on the selfregulation of European companies, in accordance with the equality initiative adopted by the European Commission in December 2010 and the European parliament resolution of 17 January 2008 calling for the Commission and member states to promote a balance between women and men on company boards, particularly where member states are shareholders.
Quality and safety management system
Transport of dangerous goods
Europe as a whole illustrates the degree of hesitation between a soft-law approach and conventional legislation (quotas in this instance), but it is clear from the experience at national level that the second method tends to get much better results. These Guidelines have been designed by industry to provide as comprehensive a range of technical and operational options as possible, from which users can select their optimum mix of options to achieve
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Business
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
compliance with the regulatory requirements of Chapter 1.10 of the United Nation`s International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) Guidelines.
Plastic products production
Adherence to international chemical industry regulations and/or agreements
Security measures should be an integral part of the safety and quality management system of every company involved with the transport of dangerous goods. Sustainable procurement covers measures taken by companies to integrate environmental and social criteria in the selection and management of suppliers.
217, 298
Financial Markets & Information Users
More precisely: "Manufacture of plastics products" category: ¦ Mechanisms in place to ensure supplier are in compliance with the REACH requirements ¦ Percentage of bioplastics produced (over total production in weight) ¦ Percentage of suppliers for which sustainable procurement measures (assessment or audit) have been implemented ¦Companies have to ensure that suppliers comply at least with international standards regarding manufacture of chemicals (e.g. REACH in EU). ¦In addition, as plastic industry consumes high quantities of oil-based, non renewable raw materials to manufacture new plastic resins, manufacturers of plastic products should look at alternative sources ¦To limit environmental impacts in their supply chain, companies have to be careful about the suppliers’
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
transportation and handling systems of pellets as spills might happen during the conveying to manufacturing facilities. ¦ Specific attention has to be given also to suppliers of plastic resins’ health and safety management system as employees are handling potentially harmful chemical products
Political accountability
There are no categories applicable for "Manufacture of plastics products" category in the list provided by the GRI. EcoVadis has an expertise that cover more than 150 purchasing categories (i.e. sub-sectors) and has identified material stakes for each of those categories. There are various measures of political accountability that can be measured (contributions, disclosure, board oversight).
394, 616
Financial Markets & Information Users
Note that this topic is applicable to more than the three industries noted. Essentially the political accountability practices of any company that is owned by public stockholders. Political contributions, the amount of disclosure and board oversight are among the data items that would be helpful in a sustainability report. In making investment decisions (especially for investors interested in socially responsible investing) is would be helpful to understand how a given company is exposed to political risk (i.e. are they backing the winning candidate, are they subject to potential retribution, why do they find it necessary to make political contributions, Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
etc.).
Sourcing strategy and policies
Environmental and social standards of suppliers and contractors for plastics
I have found the information I reference to be helpful in constructing investment portfolios that take into account this attribute of sustainability. Since it is not currently an established parameter in the socially responsible investment industry (www.ussif.org), adoption by the Global Reporting Initiative would go a long way in moving the topic of political accountability forward. How do you ensure that your suppliers adhere to a standard of ESG compliance similar to that of your company? When assessing the performance of your procurement and purchasing functions: Do you incentivise your procurement management for the selection of ESG performing suppliers even if you might have to carry a premium over less expensive suppliers? Sustainable procurement covers measures taken by companies to integrate environmental and social criteria in the selection and management of suppliers.
153
Civil Society Organization
217, 298
Financial Markets & Information Users
More precisely: "Manufacture of plastics products" category: ¦ Mechanisms in place to ensure supplier are in compliance with the REACH requirements ¦ Percentage of bioplastics produced (over total production in weight) ¦ Percentage of suppliers for which sustainable procurement measures (assessment or audit) have been Sustainability Topics for Sectors: What do stakeholders want to know? CHEMICALS
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Sustainability Category
Topic
Topic Specification (if available)
Explanation
Reference(s)1 Constituency
implemented ¦Companies have to ensure that suppliers comply at least with international standards regarding manufacture of chemicals (e.g. REACH in EU). ¦In addition, as plastic industry consumes high quantities of oil-based, non renewable raw materials to manufacture new plastic resins, manufacturers of plastic products should look at alternative sources ¦To limit environmental impacts in their supply chain, companies have to be careful about the suppliers’ transportation and handling systems of pellets as spills might happen during the conveying to manufacturing facilities. ¦ Specific attention has to be given also to suppliers of plastic resins’ health and safety management system as employees are handling potentially harmful chemical products There are no categories applicable for "Manufacture of plastics products" category in the list provided by the GRI. EcoVadis has an expertise that cover more than 150 purchasing categories (i.e. sub-sectors) and has identified material stakes for each of those categories. 1
All references can be found at https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx
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References All references can be found at https://www.globalreporting.org/reporting/sector-guidance/Topics-Research/Pages/default.aspx 1
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