The South African chemical industry’s commitment to sustainability is growing with more companies joining the global Responsible Care initiative.

The initiative promotes the improvement of the safety, health and environmental performance of the chemical and allied industries in South Africa through the implementation of eight management practice standards.

Deidré Penfold, Executive Director of the Chemical and Allied Industries’ Association (CAIA), the overarching body that represents the chemical and related industries in South Africa, says the initiative has expanded its influence in South Africa with 150 companies signing the voluntary pledge.

Contributing towards SDGs

Penfold says the chemical industry is hard at work contributing towards South Africa meeting the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), based on the implementation of  the eight management practice standards (MPSs).

“Management commitment, the first of the Responsible Care® management practice standards is the key to achieving sustainability and the prevailing ethic that guides the health, safety and environmental performance of the global chemical industry,” she explains.

CAIA considers management’s commitment to sustainable development an overarching goal. It also assists in fulfilling the following SDGs: no poverty; zero hunger; good health and well-being; quality education; gender equality; decent work and economic growth; industry, innovation and infrastructure; reduced inequalities; peace, justice and strong institutions; and partnerships for the goals.

“Through the sharing of information and a rigorous system of checklists, performance indicators and verification procedures, it enables the industry to demonstrate its improvements over the years and to develop policies for further improvement. Responsible Care helps the chemical industry gain the trust of the public and to operate safely and sustainably – with due care for safety, health and the environment.”