The chemical industry was one of the first to start implementing and executing modern and effective environmental programs. They are based on solid principles of "sustainable development". New, ecological functionalities, safe and clean technologies, as well as open public communication about the implemented activities. This is where the chemical industry is heading today. One of the initiatives based on these values is the "Responsible Care" programme. Our article will inform you what this programme is and how it is implemented in the PCC Group companies.
In the early 1980s, the Chemical Industry Association of Canada wanted to create a system that would support the operation of chemical companies, aimed at increasing the safety of production processes, reducing the impact on the natural environment, as well as providing preventive management of the health care system. Thus, the Responsible Care programme was born. Initially implemented in Canada and the USA, it quickly made its way to Europe. Here it is coordinated and promoted by the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) based in Brussels. The Responsible Care programme was introduced in Poland by the Polish Chamber of Chemical Industry (PCCI) in 1992. It exercises direct supervision over its implementation. In Poland, 22 companies from the chemical sector and related industries have joined the program. They voluntarily undertake activities aimed at increasing process safety, environmental protection and health protection.
Any enterprise, regardless of its size and the degree of burden for the environment, can join the Responsible Care programme. The execution of the programme assumptions allows for an increase in the safety of production installations, minimization of environmental impact, and also leads to the improvement of working conditions. To join the program, the participants are not required to meet any preconditions, as the measure of the programme’s universality is continuous improvement. However, the participant must make a public declaration of willingness to improve the operating conditions and present the results. The company’s constant dialogue with suppliers, customers, contractors and the local community is one of the most important areas of participation in the Responsible Care programme.
In 2020, PCCI once again awarded the Responsible Care Management Framework Certificates to PCC Exol S.A. and PCC Synteza S.A. companies. Since 2017, also PCC Rokita S.A. has participated in the program and can boast of a valid Certificate.
For several years, the PCC Group companies have participated in the Responsible Care programme, through which, together with other representatives of the chemical industry, they are building solid and reliable foundations for sustainable development in order to implement them in their organisations.
The activities of the companies are based primarily on the development and implementation of innovative technologies. It is also important to expand into new international markets, which are focused on creating and promoting responsible social and environmental policies based on the developed Code of Ethics. The employees of the companies take active part in conferences, trainings, seminars, meetings, and perform other tasks related to the promotion and implementation of business ethics based on sustainable activities.
The effect of implementing ecological solutions is, among others, reducing the rates of chemical substances emission to the atmosphere, or obtaining the RSPO (Roundtable Sustainable Palm Oil) certificate by PCC Exol S.A.
More information on the activities of the PCC Group in the field of Responsible Care can be found in the “Green Chemistry” tab.
