Best practices in chemicals management

How should companies start with chemicals management?

Here’s a straigthforward guide for those about to reduce their toxic footprint.

Why care about chemicals?

Chemicals are present in almost all products. Taken together, tens of thousands of chemicals provide useful features that assist the needs of our daily lives. Chemicals are a vital part of electronic gadgets, toys, apparel, furniture, … You name it.

Toxic chemicals – a hidden business risk

Anyone involved in the manufacturing, marketing, selling, transport and handling of products needs to be aware of the chemicals involved.

The most common toxic chemical groups

There is a limited number of toxic “hot spots” that are under scrutiny. Screening through this shortlist will make you better equipped to understand where your toxic footprint might be.

Chemicals legislation in the EU and US

Just as toxic chemicals are complex and wide reaching, so is the legislation set up to regulate them.

The chemicals in your supply chain

Your suppliers are key to obtaining information about your product’s chemicals history. This is therefore the natural starting point for gathering information. As their client, you should expect them to provide all necessary details to map your product’s toxic footprint.

How to start with chemicals management

Defining your footprint is an important prerequisite, but is only there to enable you to protect and improve your business situation. Knowing your toxic “hot spots” gives you the base for a better position with opportunities and controlled business risks.