AICM Hosts Responsible Care® Global Charter Local Signing and the 10th Open-to-Public Day Closing Ceremony

SHANGHAI, Sept. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Witnessed by over 70 delegates from 37 member companies and a dozen of media representatives, AICM (Association of International Chemical Manufactures) hosted the Responsible Care® Global Charter (RCGC)'s Local Signing and the 10^th Open-to-Public Day (OTP) Closing Ceremony in Shanghai. Mr. Patrick Vandenhoeke, Chairman of Responsible Care Leading Group (RCLG), International Council of Chemical Association (ICCA), Mr. Ji Jianjun, Executive Vice Secretary of Responsible Care Working Committee, China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIF) and Mr. You Feifeng, Vice Chairman of Huafeng Group attended the Ceremony and were featured as guest speakers. At the grand ceremony, 37 AICM member companies signed or renewed their commitments in the RCGC, and contributed to a lively roundtable discussion on the topics of "Responsible Care Implementations in China" and "Chemistry shapes the Future".

In his opening remarks, Jeff Zhu, Chairman of AICM, introduced the history of AICM and Responsible Care®, and why AICM launched the signing again: "Responsible Care Beijing Manifesto was launched by AICM in 2008 and reiterated in 2014. Since then there have been many changes within the AICM membership and to breathe new life into our drive for widespread adoption of new requirements of the updated RCGC in the region, we have decided to have a new signing ceremony that will reiterate our commitment to the Responsible Care®."

This RCGC Local Signing is a milestone for AICM and multi-national chemical companies in China. Responsible Care® is the global chemical industry's unifying commitment to the safe management of chemicals throughout their life cycle, while promoting their role in improving quality of life and contributing to sustainable development. As a signatory to the RCGC, the company will actively strengthen the Responsible Care® initiative in China and is committed to:

1. A Corporate Leadership Culture,
2. Safeguarding People and the Environment,
3. Strengthening Chemicals Management Systems,
4. Influencing Business Partners,
5. Engaging Stakeholders, and
6. Contribution to Sustainability.

Patrick Vandenhoeke, Charman of RCLG, ICCA, spoke highly of the grand ceremony: "The role of AICM is important and the commitments of the China Regional Heads of international companies are critical."

AICM has been the pioneer and leader of advancing Responsible Care® in China. This is the 3^rd RCGC Local Signing organized by AICM with support from ICCA in the past 10 years. Since 1988, AICM and its member companies have been taking the lead in introducing Responsible Care® to China in collaboration with ICCA and CPCIF. AICM was granted as observer in the ICCA Responsible Care Leadership Group in 2010.

Responsible Care® is also the core value of AICM. AICM communicates effectively with various stakeholders in the implementation of Responsible Care®, and has received positive recognition and strong supports from relevant government departments, members, chemical parks, local and industrial associations, which has played a positive role in enhancing Chinese chemical industry's reputation and promoting sustainable development of the industry.

As a key implementation of Responsible Care®, since 2009, AICM has been organizing OTP campaigns with member companies. It is a very interactive and effective way to instill public trust of a sustainable chemical industry, to advocate information transparency, and to enhance communications with the public and neighborhood communities. In 2018, 28 member companies joined the AICM OTP campaign and opened over 40 sites throughout China in the theme of ''Green Architecture Inspired by Innovative Chemistry''. Air Liquide, Arkema, AkzoNobel, Allnex, Ashland, BASF, Cabot, Celanese, Clariant, Covestro, Dow, DSM, Eastman, Evonik, Henkel, Ingevity, Kemira, Linde, LANXESS, Mitsubishi, Merck, Methanex, PPG, SABIC, Solvay, Topsafe, Trinseo and WACKER showcased or will showcase their commitments as responsible chemical industry giant to the public, with well-designed public speeches, plant visits, on-site demonstrations and community engagements.

"OTP is an important yearly project for AICM, and an integral part of the Responsible Care® practice. AICM has been promoting it for years. It has established a communication channel between the industry and the public in a scientific and proactive manner, and to promote the development of a sustainable and respected chemical industry," said Jeff Zhu, Chairman of AICM. 

"OTP is a very proactive way to engage and show our best practices and safe operation environment to local communities and the public. We will continue to promote OTP to have the public better understand how chemical companies contribute to environmental protection and sustainability. Meanwhile, AICM will continue to share our progress with the public and deepen the cooperation with more stakeholders, shaping the future together," said Yoke Loon Lim, PRCC Sponsor Board Director of AICM.

ABOUT AICM

The Association of International Chemical Manufacturers (AICM) was founded in 1988 and represents nearly 70 major multinational companies across China's chemical industry. Its member's businesses cover R&D, manufacturing, sales, transportation, distribution and disposal of chemicals. AICM and its members share a common vision; to contribute to the sustainable development of a responsible chemical industry in China. AICM commits to promoting Responsible Care® and other globally recognized chemical management principles among all stakeholders, by advocating cost-effective science and risk-based policies, to build up the chemical industry's contribution to the Chinese economy.

SOURCE AICM