Rohm and Haas Company announced 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 leading global research, education and advisory organization that specializes in developing systematic, science-based approaches for organizations to become more sustainable. Through participation in its Core Funding Partner Program, The Natural Step will assist Rohm and Haas Company in incorporating sustainable objectives in all of its business, research and development, and operating practices.
“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. We are taking steps today, with the expert guidance of The Natural Step, to ensure the continuation and growth of that tradition well into the future,” said Raj L. Gupta, chairman, president and chief executive officer 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. We are excited that this partnership will help us establish a leadership position in addressing critical sustainable needs.”
The announcement of a formal partnership between Rohm and Haas and The Natural Step is the most recent milestone in a shared mission to bring sustainable development to the forefront of the chemical industry. 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 The Natural Step and a key customer, Hydro Polymers, to drive sustainable practices in the product development and commercial areas of that business. In August 2007, The Natural Step and Hydro Polymers presented Rohm and Haas with the 2007 Hydro Sustainability Award for its performance and efforts in sustainability.
“The chemicals sector is crucial to all our futures,” says Dr. Karl-Henrik Robèrt, founder of The Natural Step. “Our modus operandi is to achieve societal change through role models, showing how to do well by doing good. We are delighted to have support from an established industry leader like Rohm and Haas, which will help us implement new programs and cross-sector partnerships for sustainable development around the world.”
Leaders from Rohm and Haas and The Natural Step will work closely together throughout 2008 to identify opportunities to integrate sustainable development into the company’s daily business and operations management. The Rohm and Haas Company initiatives will be led by Alan Barton, executive vice president, regional director, The Americas and includes an executive steering team of company leaders representing its global businesses, regions and support organizations.
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.
Rohm and Haas is a global pioneer in the creation and development of innovative technologies and solutions for the specialty materials industry. The company’s technologies are found in a wide range of markets including: building and construction, electronics, food and retail, household and personal care, industrial process, packaging, paper, transportation and water. Based in