Product Stewardship
Important information on "Product Stewardship" can also be found in our Annual Report.
Covestro has adopted a systematic approach, including a reporting system and global regulations, for verifying the regulatory compliance of our activities and for incident notification and reporting. Product stewardship aspects are also covered. Incidents are tracked in a global information system and are regularly evaluated in order to take corrective action and continuously improve our stewardship performance. For example, we have been able to improve the information on the safe handling of our products and provide customers with specific training. Furthermore, computer-based training for our employees along with workshops help embed the understanding and importance of product stewardship in the company.
Our product portfolio does not contain any products that are banned by UN banned lists or prohibited by international conventions. In 2018, we know of no material incidents of non-compliance with regulations and voluntary codes concerning the health and safety impacts of products and services, nor of any significant non-compliance with regulations and voluntary codes relating to product information and labeling.
Our own system for creating safety information covers mandatory information on content, safe use of the product, as well as relevant disposal information. We systematically evaluate new products and applications using process-specific IT tools.
Animal studies are essential to assess the safety of our products, especially for human health, but also for the environment. This applies to registration processes within the European Union, the United States and China, which require results from toxicological and ecotoxicological studies. Covestro does not conduct such required studies itself. Instead we work with research institutions and facilities. Internal guidelines require that these adhere to our animal welfare policies. We reserve the right to verify the information provided in supplier self-descriptions in on-site visits.