Sustainable development needs a global approach

The Safety and Sustainability session of the Helsinki Chemicals Forum will examine chemical sector opportunities for securing the well-being of people and the environment. Alain Perroy, Director General of the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) and moderator of the Safety and Sustainability session of the HCF discusses sustainable development in the field of chemicals and the chemical industry.

“I look forward to information sharing and the possibility to hear opinions from different stakeholders at the Helsinki Chemicals Forum,” Alain Perroy says.

“The field of chemistry plays a significant role in the search for sustainable solutions and it is necessary to have a global approach to succeed. As an example, global commitment from chemical industry companies generates good results locally, too” he states. He is referring to global chemical industry companies that apply sustainability programmes in each geographic area they function.

Discussing the future challenges for the chemical sector, Perroy mentions public health issues and the chemical industry’s role. “Chemistry and chemicals are present in nearly everything consumers see and do. The chemical industry must ensure that people can use chemicals safely in the long-term, even when they are exposed to small amounts,” he says.