ICCA and ICCTA Cooperate on Responsibility Initiatives Worldwide

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) and the International Council of Chemical Trade Associations (ICCTA) have signed an agreement to closely cooperate in the promotion of their respective Responsible Care and Responsible Distribution initiatives. Both parties have adopted these initiatives and are actively promoting them in countries across the globe.

“Responsible Care is our global industry’s commitment to sustainability,” said Alain Perroy, director general of the European Chemical Industry Council, Cefic, and ICCA council secretary. “The dialogue between chemical manufacturers and distributors on the responsible handling and use of chemicals is essential to industry’s commitment to Responsible Care and Responsible Distribution along the supply chain.”

“Chemical distributors are actively involved in the promotion and implementation of environmental, health and safety initiatives such as Responsible Care & Responsible Distribution, and we are committed to sharing best practices around the world,” said Hendrik Abma, director general of the European Association of Chemical Distributors, FECC, and deputy secretary general of ICCTA.

The cooperation of chemical producers and chemical distributors is one of the main objectives of the ICCA Responsible Care Global Charter and the joint ICCTA Responsible Care & Responsible Distribution initiatives. The ICCA-ICCTA cooperation also addresses Global Charter goals by introducing the Responsible Care and Responsible Distribution initiatives in countries with emerging chemical sectors.

In 2006, the chemical industry presented the ICCA Global Charter at the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM-1), as one of the key initiatives to achieve the objectives of the UN Strategic Approach to the International Management of Chemicals (SAICM).

ICCA is the worldwide voice of the chemical industry. In 2007, turnover for the chemical industry was estimated to reach about $3180 billion. The chemical industry directly employs about seven million people. Including indirect employment, more than 20 million people around the globe have a job connected to this industry.

ICCTA represents the global chemical distribution industry. Chemical distributors are actively involved in the promotion and implementation of environmental, health, and safety initiatives such as Responsible Care & Responsible Distribution. Chemical distributors create value in the supply chain by meeting the demands of millions of downstream users ranging over all branches of industry. They distribute substances and preparations vital for the success of our economies.

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