Several global chemical producers are starting to prioritise a reduction in hazardous substances, as part of long-term business sustainability strategies, sustainability organisation ChemSec noted in a release.

The organisation reported that it engaged with the three top performers in its latest ChemScore sustainability index to understand why companies are seeking to minimise the use of toxic chemicals, with all three indicating that business resilience depends on proactive action.

The organisation stated that German chemicals manufacturer Lanxess stressed the importance of early intervention during product development. Lanxess chemicals policy senior manager Teresa Bernheim told ChemSec that research and development cycles in the chemicals sector are lengthy, making early identification of potential risks essential.

“Initiating research only once a substance is classified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) is already too late. We therefore aim to begin work as early as possible to maintain a competitive advantage when regulatory scrutiny increases and to develop suitable alternatives for customers,” she explained.

Bernheim added that Lanxess previously maintained a significantly broader product portfolio but recognised that not all products were sustainable in the long term. She said that the company consequently adopted a proactive strategy to align its portfolio with anticipated regulatory developments.

This approach led to the introduction of a structured roadmap for the substitution and phase-out of substances with SVHC properties. Bernheim suggested that clearly defined criteria and parameters helped secure internal alignment across the organisation.

Meanwhile, Saudi chemicals producer SABIC similarly identified growing regulatory pressure relating to hazardous chemicals, which resulted in the launch of an innovation programme in 2021 focused on developing products with lower human and environmental hazard profiles, while substituting or eliminating higher-risk substances.

SABIC stated that adopting a proactive approach was necessary to remain prepared for regulatory developments and to continue serving customers effectively. The company added that managing chemical portfolio risks is essential for long-term business resilience.

The company further noted that engagement with partners and customers forms a key element of its product safety management strategy. Transparency across the value chain, it said, supports broader industry progress.

Thailand-based multinational chemicals company Indorama Ventures, which ChemSec reported ranked highest in the latest assessment, indicated that its wide product application range places additional emphasis on safety and sustainability.

Indorama Ventures chief sustainability officer Dr Anthony Watanabe said operating under multiple international, regional and industry regulations requires companies to move beyond basic compliance to strengthen long-term resilience.