Emphasis on life cycle approach, innovation and sustainability
05 January 2012
Emphasis on life cycle approach, innovation and sustainability
Three winners of the 2011 European Responsible Care Awards were announced at Cefic’s annual general assembly in Madrid last September. Evonik Industries of Germany won the large company category for its project that improves Argan tree reforestation in Morocco. Novel application of its superabsorbent Stockosorb is enabling preservation of the threatened Argan forest, a valuable resource used by local people for centuries. The project demonstrates major water-saving opportunities and provided a showcase for reforestation in arid climates.
Akkuser of Finland won the SME category for its energy-efficient battery recycling business. This innovative young company recycles batteries and accumulators into valuable metals suitable as raw material for reuse. Over 90% of material can be reused, and no harmful carbon dioxide emissions or waste are generated during the recycling process. Within the last five years Akkuser’s turnover has grown almost 1 000%.
And French chemicals trade group Union des Industries Chimiques (UIC) won a special award for its artistic approach to community outreach celebrating the International Year of Chemistry (IYC). UIC invited four artists working in plastics to exhibit works at simultaneous events in Paris, Lyon, Lille and Marseille. L’art en la matière featured installations designed to give the public four different and unusual views of issues that are key to the future of our planet and at the heart of the chemical industry’s activities: recycling, biobased chemistry, air quality, and new energy sources.
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The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) is the worldwide voice of the chemical industry, a sector with 2009 turnover of more than €1,900 billion (excluding pharmaceuticals). ICCA members account for more than 60 percent of global chemical sales. The ICCA focuses on key issues for the chemical industry, and the promotion and coordination of Responsible Care® and safe chemicals management through the Global Product Strategy. Priority advocacy issues include chemicals management, regulatory affairs, and international climate negotiations.
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