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Global Charter

Responsible Care® Global Charter

The Responsible Care® Global Charter defines the commitment of companies to the safe management of chemicals throughout their life cycle, while promoting their role in improving the quality of life and contributing to sustainable development. The most senior executives (such as chief executive officers and managing directors, sign, and pledge to implement the programme globally).

Multinational companies with headquarters situated in South Africa are expected to sign the Responsible Care® Global Charter, committing to implement Responsible Care® in their operations globally, regardless of whether there are local Responsible Care® programmes in the other countries in which they operate. The Global Charter does not supersede the local Responsible Care® programme’s obligations but reminds companies to extend their Responsible Care® commitments throughout their operations.

The Responsible Care® Global Charter is composed of six elements

A Corporate Leadership Culture that proactively supports safe chemicals management through the global Responsible Care® initiative.

Safeguarding People and the Environment by continuously improving SHE and safety performance; the security of facilities, processes, and technologies; and by driving continuous improvement in chemical product safety and stewardship throughout the supply chain.

Strengthening Chemicals Management Systems by participating in the development and implementation of lifecycle-oriented, sound-science and risk-based chemical safety legislation and best practices.

Influencing Business Partners to promote the safe management of chemicals within their own operations.

Engaging Stakeholders, understanding and responding to their concerns and expectations for safer operations and products and communicating openly on our performance and products.

Contributing to Sustainability through improved performance, expanded economic opportunities and the development of innovative technologies and other solutions to societal challenges.

Three global chemical manufacturing companies have signed the Global Charter in South Africa.

The South African Global Charter signatories are:

AECI Ltd

Omnia Group (Pty) Ltd

Sasol South Africa Ltd

Responsible Care® Framework

The Responsible Care® management framework is based on the Deming Cycle of Plan, Do, Check and Act, and entails a self-assessment of companies’ performance in Responsible Care®. It connects the Responsible Care® Global Charter to international standards and sustainability principles. Responsible Care® assumes compliance with existing legislation.

Connection to International Standards

The Responsible Care® Initiative is more than a commitment—it’s a promise to uphold the highest standards of safety, health, and environmental (SHE) performance. As a voluntary programme, it empowers signatories to adopt its guiding principles, ensuring that every step of their operations reflects a dedication to sustainable practices and accountability.

  • ISO 9001 (Quality Management)
  • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
  • ISO 50001 (Energy Management)
  • ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility)
  • ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety)
  • ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)
  • GHS (United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals) (https://unece.org/about-ghs).

Connection to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Responsible Care® Global Charter is connected to sustainability principles, specifically to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Companies understand if and how they are contributing to the SDGs through implementing Responsible Care®.

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