In the face of ever-growing international competition, chemical companies in the UK are increasingly looking for ways to improve performance. Many firms have found that by addressing environmental impact, they can make direct savings to their bottom line.
In addition, prioritising the issue of sustainability is also helping companies to build a positive public profile, and in turn, a competitive edge.
Sustainability experts, Envirowise, work with companies in the sector to identify the best techniques to enhance productivity through the efficient use of resources. In particular, Envirowise urges firms to apply ‘green chemistry’ principles as a way of achieving long-term improvement. Geoff Leaver, Envirowise Chemicals Specialist, explains: “Green chemistry describes the process of designing chemical products and processes with the reduction or elimination of hazardous substance use in mind. The practice can lead to significant commercial benefits, including the savings associated with reduced waste disposal costs.
“Furthermore, the arrival of the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) Regulations is likely to prompt manufacturers to consider substituting hazardous substances with replacement materials – and the principles of green chemistry could form an excellent foundation for this process.”
Envirowise has developed a new, practical guide to support businesses.
Envirowise is based in Didcot, Oxfordshire, UK. www.envirowise.gov.uk
