Discussion 2 "Best Practices for Responsible Chemical and Waste Management in Companies and SMEs" summary held on 31 May 2023.

Effective management of chemicals and waste is a key issue facing many sectors of industry today. As our dependence on chemicals has increased in modern society, so has the importance of their proper handling and disposal. The CoP discussion highlighted the principles of Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste as a necessary business strategy, underpinning both environmental stewardship and business continuity.

Particular attention was paid to the role of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), their unique challenges, and the significant potential benefits they could reap from effective chemical management. It was noted that for many companies, a lack of awareness about the chemicals they use and their associated hazards remains a key hurdle.

The experts also stressed the importance of adopting a life-cycle approach to chemical management, considering all aspects from sourcing to disposal. In addition, they provided insights into a number of tools and resources available to various stakeholders, including businesses, NGOs, academia, and governments, that can facilitate and guide the development and implementation of robust chemical and waste management strategies.

More details on the second discussion can be found here.