International Chemicals Policy

To conclude, combining Cleaner Production and Chemical Leasing has proven to be a win-win approach for the economy and the environment. It can be applied to industries of different sizes in developing countries and countries with economies in transition and fosters sustainable industrial development and the implementation of international chemical policies. Quality assurance is an important element of successful projects and efficient tools are required to ensure smooth implementation at plant level. 

We have discussed a series of examples and aspects, such as the problem of risk and sustainability assessment, tools and principles for a sustainable industrial development (in particular, the issue of scaling-down and intensification of chemical processes, and the role of catalysis), and problems and opportunities in substituting chemical and processes (also in the view of REACH legislation, and of the international chemicals policy on sustainability). These topics are expanded in the following chapters, while the final section on industrial case histories for sustainable chemical processes provides further hints on these aspects. 

Giljum S, Hak T, Hinterberger F, Kovanda J (2005) Environmental governance in the European Union strategies and instruments for absolute decoupling. International Journal for Sustainable Development 8(1/2) 31-46 Hafner G, Jakl T, Loibl G (2002) Conference conclusions by the chairs. In Freytag E, Jakl T, Loibl G, Wittmann M (ed) The role of precaution in chemicals policy. Favorita Papers, Diplomatic Academy of Vienna... 

Promoting Chemical Leasing based on the preventive Cleaner Production concept provides practical solutions for industry to become more efficient and at the same time reduce unnecessary hazardous chemicals consumption and protect human health and the environment. In this way, environmental and economic policy matters as well as international cooperation objectives can be addressed. In his article, T. Jakl excellently highlights Chemical Leasing and regulatory approaches in Chemical Policy. 

Michael Wittmann studied law at the University of Vienna and held several positions in Austrian ministerial offices, specialising in environmental law. As legal expert of the Chemicals Policy unit, he deals with national, European and international chemicals law. In 2002, he -edited the publication "The Role of Precaution in Chemicals Policy". 

Though the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is welcomed by the stakeholders, there is a point of contention amongst them as to its eventual effectiveness since it is a non-legally binding policy framework. Its implications on trade are also important and need to be monitored closely by states and the business sector. 

However, the ICCM only adopted the Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management and the accompanying Overarching Policy Strategy to underline the global commitment to SAICM and its implementation. The GPA was not adopted because, even though it was clear that it was voluntary in... 

Despite Chapter 19 as common ground and success stories from individual conventions and initiatives, the overall picture of international chemicals management resembles a patchwork of unconnected parts. The problem is well spotted and addressed in the SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy ... 

Public perception appears to be focused on the risks rather than the benefits of chemicals production. A pan-European survey found that only 50% of the general public viewed the chemical industry as beneficial to society, whereas 93% consider that chemicals negatively affect human health [78]. Rarely do public debates on chemicals policy discuss the benefits that chemical products provide to society or how to best devise regulation that supports the competitiveness of EU chemical producers. The media eye sees only chemical risks and regulation responds with knee-jerk reactions. Society is faced with complex issues on the sustainability of the chemical industry, not just in terms of maintaining international competitiveness but maximising the potential for the application of innovative chemistry. 

F.M. Christensen, J.H.M. de Bruijn, B.G. Hansen, S.J. Munn, B. Sokull-Kluttgen and F. Pedersen, New Assessment Tools under the New EU Chemicals Policy, Greener Management International, 2003, 41, 5. 

G. Loibl, The Precautionary Principle in International Law, The Role of Precaution in Chemicals Policy, Eds., E. Freytag, T. Jackl, G. Loibl and M. Wittmann, Diplomatische Akademie, Vienna, Austria, 2001, p.13. 

The same mechanisms that work at the international level are relevant also within the EU. Many EU Member States are pushing for progressive product policies, for instance, producer responsibility and chemicals policies, which have forced the Commission to develop EU policies to avoid distortions on the Internal Market (e.g., in the field of chemical policy, see Onida, 2004). For some chemical standards, for instance, EU rules on chemicals in electronics, other countries are forced to adopt similar standards in order to make sure that their companies can export their products on the global market (Selin and VanDeveer, 2006 Dalhammar, 2007a). 

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