Responsible Care® initiative expands further into Africa

Cefic and ICCA (the International Council of Chemical Associations) are pleased to have three African countries, Guinea, Ivory Coast and Tunisia express their interest in joining the Responsible Care® initiative, a voluntary industry programme to improve safe production, handling and use of chemicals globally.

Made official on 23 October in Casablanca, during the 2nd African Conference on Responsible Care, the three countries signed a Certificate of Intent pledging to improve chemical safety by implementing Responsible Care principles in their chemical operations. These agreements mark the first step in the countries’ journey to becoming full members of the Responsible Care community and in achieving operational excellence.

Under the mentorship of Cefic and the Fédération de la Chimie et de la Parachimie (Moroccan Chemical Industry Association), each of the countries will now follow a tailored programme that takes into account their industry landscapes and challenges.

“The vast majority of African countries do not have chemical legislation nor the government enforcement capability. Continuous expansion of Responsible Care in Africa will help improve safe production, handling and use of chemicals in the areas where legislation is still being developed”, said Baudouin Kelecom, ICCA Responsible Care Chairman commenting on the announcement.

Cefic and ICCA strive to ensure that people enjoy the same high standard of chemical safety, regardless of where they live, by promoting Responsible Care. Today, Responsible Care is already implemented by 62 chemical associations in nearly 70 countries. In Africa already, Morocco, South Africa and Egypt are fully-fledged Responsible Care members.