Chemical firms keen on clean-image drive

In an effort to shed the image of environment polluters, the chemical companies are creating a synergistic existence within their operational platform under a global initiative called Responsible Care (RC).

"Indian Chemical Manufacturers Association (ICMA) is now aiming for government recognition and mass awareness for RC practicing companies," said Deepak Mehta, president, ICMA.

Mehta said that a name change from ICMA to Indian Chemical Council (ICC) is also on cards. " We are transiting from a government backed regional industry to a global industry. Hence we are changing our name from ICMA to ICC," he added.

The signatories under the RC programme go beyond the health, safety and environment standards and take up long term commitments with their locality and people.

The organisation is also in the process of setting up an audit team. "At present, it is a seven member team and will have 15 members by year-end. On an average this team will review 6-10 companies every three months," he said.

"There are many standards such as ISO-9000, ISO-14000 that govern the industry. Our objective is to bring all the standards under one umbrella. As such an RC company would have the highest level of standards," said Mehta.

An RC practicing company in Gujarat is exempted from 50 per cent routine inspections. "Companies with RC logos would eventually get better treatment that includes exemption for inspections," he added.