by Ms. Elisabeth Anderson

I. RESPONSIBLE CARE

· reflects an ethic, an attitude, a method of thinking about the way in which chemical companies do business and their role in society;

· addresses the reality that corporate values must emphasise a long-term public commitment to community and occupational health and safety and to environmental protection;

· indicates the chemical industry's commitment to sustainable development and to introducing cleaner technologies;

· was initiated in Canada in 1984 and by 1997, companies in 41 countries were members;

· was introduced in South Africa in1994, with 120 meember companies by 1997;

· is administered in South Africa by the Chemical and Allied Industries Association which submits annual reports to the International Council of Chemical Associations.

II. PRESENT STATUS:

· During 1997, companies responded to the first self-assessment questionnaire on the implementation of the six management practice standards.

· Responses are being used to establish a beseline from which future improvements will be measured.

· Responses compare well with international experiences, indicating a strong commitment from local companies.

· Targets have been set to increase the level of implementation of the management practice standards.

III. THE FUTURE:
· Establishment of a Public Advisory Panel;
· Introduction of quantitative indicators of performance;
· Development of mechanisms for external verification;
· Measurement of activities such as energy and water consumption, effluent discharges, and atmospheric emissions;
· Establishment of links with storage and transport companies.