Responsible Care®
Advancing Safety, Sustainability and Accountability in the Chemical Industry
Since its launch in South Africa in 1994, Responsible Care® has been a driving force in improving safety, health, environmental (SHE), and security standards across the chemical and related industries.
Originating in Canada in 1985, this global initiative has expanded to nearly 70 economies, ensuring sustainability and responsible practices throughout the chemicals value chain. In South Africa, Responsible Care® spans the entire chemicals value chain, covering manufacturers, distributors, and logistics service providers (LSPs). All CAIA full and associate member companies involved in the manufacturing, trading, distribution, handling, storage, and the transport of chemicals are expected to comply with Responsible Care® requirements.
The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) , the voice of the global chemical industry, oversees the Responsible Care® initiative worldwide.
The ICCA Responsible Care® Leadership Group plays a key role in driving its successful implementation by fostering collaboration between industry associations and their member companies, all within the framework of the ICCA Responsible Care® Global Charter.
Responsible Care® goes beyond compliance and commits chemical companies to:
- Continuously improve the SHE and security knowledge and performance of staff, along with technologies, processes, and products throughout their life cycles, to prevent harm to people and the environment.
- Use resources efficiently and minimise waste.
- Report openly on performance, achievements, and shortcomings.
- Promote and share good practices.
- Listen, engage, and collaborate with people to understand and address their concerns and expectations.
- Cooperate with Governments and organisations in the development and implementation of effective regulations and standards as well as ensure that these requirements are met or exceeded.
- Provide support and guidance to foster the responsible management of chemicals by everyone involved in their handling and use throughout the product chain.
Since its launch in South Africa in 1994, Responsible Care® has been a driving force in improving safety, health, environmental (SHE), and security standards across the chemical and related industries.
The vision of the CAIA’s Responsible Care® initiative:
Envisages a profitable, sustainable chemical sector in South Africa that contributes to the quality of human life and the economy through innovation and production – without harm to people, property, or the environment.
Aims to ensure that South Africa’s chemical sector is recognised by all stakeholders as a responsible industry that plays a significant role in providing a wide range of benefits to society – while remaining open, honest, accountable, and credible in all its dealings.
Strives to achieve zero employee and contractor injuries, zero manufacturing process safety incidents, zero distribution incidents, zero environmental incidents, and zero fatalities.