Guidelines for responsible conduct

As a member of the Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI, the German chemicals industry association), tesa has committed to act based on the principles of the global initiative “Responsible Care.” On our own responsibility, we are improving health and environmental protections and the safety of our employees and neighbors. To do so, we are following VCI’s “Responsible Conduct” guidelines:

1. The chemicals industry views safety and protection of people and the environment as matters of essential importance. For that reason, the company’s management must formulate environmental policy guidelines and review them regularly for new requirements as well as creating processes that ensure that these standards can be implemented effectively in the operational practice of the business.

2. The chemicals industry will raise every employee’s personal awareness of responsibility toward the environment and intensify employees’ ability to recognize possible environmental impacts due to its products and the operation of its equipment.

3. The chemicals industry will take public questions and concerns regarding its products and corporate activities seriously and address them in a constructive fashion.

4. The chemicals industry will, to protect its employees, neighbors, customers, and consumers as well as the environment, continually reduce the dangers and risks involved in the production, storage, transportation, operation, application, use, and disposal of its products. It already takes health, safety, and environmental aspects into account when developing new products and production processes.

5. The chemicals industry will inform its customers in an appropriate fashion as to the safe transportation, storage, application, use, and disposal of its products.

6. The chemicals industry will work constantly toward the expansion of the body of knowledge regarding the potential effects of products, production processes, and waste on people and the environment.

7. Irrespective of its economic interests, the chemicals industry will limit marketing of products or suspend production of such products if, according to the results of a risk analysis, the duty of care to prevent dangers to health and the environment demands that it do so. It will provide the public with comprehensive information on any such measures.

8. The companies of the chemical industry operate safe production plants. Should any risks endangering human health or the environment become recognisable, the companies shall take immediate action as required. In so doing, they shall cooperate closely with competent authorities and inform the public.

9. The companies of the chemical industry make available their knowledge and experience in the development of workable and effective laws, regulations and standards, with the aim of constantly ensuring the protection of human health and the environment.

10. The companies of the chemical industry support the national Responsible Care programme. In order to comply with RC principles, they provide sufficient resources to enable implementation in the company.