Chemical makers commit to sustainable development, corporate responsibility

Nearly 30 member companies of the Association of International Chemical Manufacturers, a global industrial organization, recently signed the Responsible Care Global Charter in Shanghai, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable development and corporate responsibility in China.

The signing ceremony of this charter was conducted during the association's Annual General Meeting in Shanghai in late April. It aims to strengthen the communication and cooperation among member companies and promote the healthy development of the chemicals industry.

Li Lei, chairman of the association, said that signing the charter is critical to help companies improve operational efficiency and reduce risk, as well as build trust and partnerships with stakeholders.

"We are proud of the progress we have made in promoting this initiative.

We are looking forward to continued growth in the number of signatories," said Li, who also is vice-president of Saudi Basic Industries Corp.

As China strides into a new era characterized by sustainable practices and innovation-driven development, this initiative highlights the importance the chemicals industry places on environmental protection, human health and social responsibility, he added.

Established in 1988, the association represents nearly 70 major multinational companies in the chemicals industry operating in China. These companies' businesses cover research and development, manufacture, transportation, distribution and disposal of chemicals.

Introduced in 2005, the Responsible Care Global Charter underscores the chemicals industry's dedication to ongoing enhancements in environmental, health and safety standards. Beyond manufacturing, it addresses safety across the value chain, tackles contemporary challenges such as sustainability, public health and transparency, and ensures safe product use and processing.

By the end of 2023, more than 580 chemicals manufacturers globally endorsed the charter.

Tina Dai, the association's managing director, said the body will continue to play the role of a bridge and a link to strengthen communication and cooperation with various stakeholders.

China has set a goal of peaking carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality before 2060.

Accelerating energy transformation and innovation is crucial for achieving high-quality development in China's chemicals manufacturers. Both domestic and multinational corporations have embraced breakthrough initiatives to better navigate the transition, said Ding Rijia, a professor specializing in energy economy at the China University of Mining and Technology in Beijing.