Rohm and Haas Co. said that it has embarked on a comprehensive journey to develop and implement strategic, sustainable development practices across all areas of its businesses and operations. In launching this initiative, the company has formed a partnership with the international non-profit organization, The Natural Step International. The Natural Step, is a global research, education and advisory organization that specializes in developing systematic, science-based approaches for organizations to become more sustainable.
"For more than a century our company has maintained a sharp focus on delivering high-performance, profitable solutions to our partners in the myriad industries we serve," said Raj L. Gupta, CEO of Rohm and Haas Company. "This partnership with The Natural Step will be a catalyst for further sustainable product innovation, business management practices and corporate leadership, and will build on our existing commitment to apply the principles of Sustainable Development and Green Chemistry to develop innovative technologies to address critical societal needs, such as more environmentally friendly building and construction products, technologies to improve the accessibility of potable water, greater abundance and higher quality agriculture crops, and innovative solutions to meet growing energy needs."
As part of its commitment, Rohm and Haas is sponsoring a distance-learning program centered on The Natural Step principles, aimed at equipping professionals in the chemical industry with the knowledge to implement meaningful change at their individual companies. The company's Packaging and Building Materials business has already begun working with a key customer, Hydro Polymers, to drive sustainable practices in the product development and commercial areas of that business.
"The chemicals sector is crucial to all our futures," said Dr. Karl-Henrik Robrt, founder of The Natural Step. "Our modus operandi is to achieve societal change through role models, showing how to do well by doing good."
More information on the Rohm and Haas commitment to sustainability can be found online at: http://www.rohmhaas.com/wcm/about_us/ehs/index.page.
