| Chemical, Pharmaceutical & Environmental Society > Responsible Care |
| Responsible Care |
This a voluntary program aimed at the chemical industry’s national organizations, based on the industry’s undertaking to constantly strive towards improving conditions of the environment, health and safety, while maintaining transparency towards the community regarding activities, products, performance and degree of improvement achieved.
The Canadian Chemical Industries Association initiated the program in 1985, aware that the issue of preserving the environment and contact with the community was of central importance to the chemical industry. Subsequently, similar associations in developed countries such as USA, Great Britain and Germany adopted the program; it has also gradually been adopted in developing countries. Today Responsible Care is applied in 46 countries throughout the world, and participants in the program manufacture around 96% of the chemicals produced worldwide.
How is it possible to join the program at the national level?
At the initial stage, a national association interested in joining the program must forge its guidelines, which convey policy with regard to its undertaking to constantly improve environmental quality, health and safety.
The degree of improvement is measured according to various indices, such as: reduced emissions to the air, correct treatment of poisonous waste, accident prevention among workers exposed to chemicals, improved procedures for the conveyance of chemical materials, etc. The national association then applies to join the ICCA (International Council of Chemical Association), which decides whether or not to approve the application.
Adoption of the Program by Israeli Industry
In 2000, the Management of the Chemical Association and the Committee of Environmental Managers decided to join the Responsible Care Program. The ICCA unanimously approved Israel’s application at its meeting in Mexico City in August 2001. 40 representatives attended the meeting from 31 developed and developing countries, including USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, the EU and Latin American countries.
The Israeli chemical industries attach great importance to dealing with environmental issues. Activities are concentrated in the Environment Committee, headed by Mr Akiva Mozes, Managing Director of Israel Chemicals Ltd.
There is close cooperation with the Ministry for the Environment and the public in general in dealing with ecological issues.
The Responsible Care Program in Israel is managed by te MAI’s Chemcal Association, which reports to the ICCA on improvements carried out by Israeli chemical companies, in accordance with strict and accepted standards.
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