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CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALS
CHEMICALS AND THE VITAL ROLE THEY PLAY
Tim Doggett, CEO of the Chemical Business Association (CBA), outlines the
association’s role in driving sustainability, challenging
perceptions, and leading on vital industry issues
he chemical supply chain is truly global. It is also complex, with raw materials and finished products, including hazardous materials, moving between or through multiple countries. Additionally, it is a vital part of society and the economy, with over 95% of all manufactured products containing inputs from the chemicals industry.
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In recent years, the chemical supply chain has faced several challenges. Besides the pandemic, the sector has had to deal with regulatory changes and increased bureaucracy because of Brexit along with other major supply chain disruptions, all of which have been aggravated by the conflict in Ukraine.
In addition to these challenges, the sector has been facing criticism around sustainability for years. Contrary to belief, however, chemical supply chain stakeholders are heavily involved and instrumental in finding solutions to help solve the problems of climate change.
Since 1993, the CBA has been actively involved with the Responsible Care (RC) programme, a global, voluntary initiative which provides an ethical framework for the safe use and handling of chemical products and seeks to deliver continual improvements in health, safety, security, and environmental performance across the industry. The association recently published its vision for RC in the 21st century, with the main objective being to demonstrate to society that the chemical industry is committed to the safe and sustainable management of chemicals.
In its efforts to help the chemical supply chain become more sustainable, the association has produced guidance on climate change in partnership with the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) and the Non-Ferrous Alliance (NFA) and, in association with other organisations, developed new
30 FEBRUARY 2023 | PROCESS & CONTROL
waste packaging supplementary guidance within the scope of the European Waste Framework Directive. This includes a structured approach to developing a climate change risk assessment and action plan for chemical, pharmaceutical, and other businesses. Additionally, the CBA runs training and best practice workshops on a variety of topics to help companies on their environmental journey, whether they are just starting the process or are well down the road. Several CBA staff members have also been certified as being Carbon Literate, and the association offers its members certified Carbon Literacy training to help individuals and companies make informed choices to reduce their carbon impact.
Whilst facing criticism around sustainability, the chemical industry and, in fact, the broader supply chain, has been plagued by another ongoing threat – skewed public perception. The sector is not widely seen or regarded as a career choice, meaning that the opportunities that exist are often overlooked. The CBA has launched various initiatives aimed at challenging perceptions and promoting the opportunities that exist to get the younger generation interested and involved in the chemical industry, and to attract a more diverse and inclusive talent pool to help the sector maintain its position as a vital contributor to the UK economy. In 2019, the association launched a Young Person’s Award with the goal of recognising excellence within the chemical supply chain. In 2022 it also established a Future Council – comprising young professionals from member companies – which is aimed at engaging with Millennials and Gen Z by showcasing the diverse career opportunities within the sector. A further key role of the Future Council is informing youngsters and educators about the important contribution science and the chemical supply chain make to the economy, both now, and in the future.
Another programme targeting young people is Generation Logistics, an industry-led
campaign aimed at bringing industry together, shifting perceptions, and encouraging the next generation to optimise opportunities in the logistics industry. It is a great example of boosting awareness and engagement, and the CBA is playing a leading role in promoting the programme. An issue that has been at the top of the CBA’s agenda is UK REACH. The association has been working with other affected trade associations on this topic through the Alliance of Chemical Associations (ACA), consistently calling for legislation to be amended to avoid the additional costs it will bring to business, as well as its potentially devastating impact on raw material availability to manufacturers in the UK.
With the CBA having tirelessly lobbied and led discussions on UK REACH, a breakthrough came at the end of 2021 when the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced it would explore alternative arrangements for UK REACH registrations. As part of this, DEFRA announced their intention to consult separately on extending the deadlines, and the subsequent consultation concluded on 1st September 2022.
Throughout, the CBA has been and continues to provide expert advice and input to various working groups, including the UK REACH Oversight group. In addition, while supporting its members with online consultations and a one-to-one advice service, the CBA hosted two UK REACH Online Clinics to highlight the consultation. The consultation received a significant number of submissions and of the known respondents, 20% were CBA members, while a further 15% of stakeholders attended the clinics. Like many other stakeholders, the CBA welcomed the result of the consultation and subject to legislation, timelines will be extended to October 2026, October 2028, and October 2030 for each tonnage band.
CBA
www.chemical.org.uk
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