March 18, 2008

Ethical Image Hard Sell For Chemical Companies

Bookmark and Share Email this story Print this post Add your comments

The Chemical industry places 9 out of 10 in Covalence’s EthicalQuote ranking (PDF), ahead of Oil & Gas. In 2007, the industry improved: Chemicals ranked 8th, outperforming Oil & Gas and Pharmaceuticals. Despite this progress, the Chemical industry seems deeply embedded in the bottom of the cross-sector ranking, far from fast progressing sectors such as Automobiles, Technology Hardware and Food & Beverage.

In the end of 2007, BASF shows the best EthicalQuote score out of 18 Chemical companies, closely followed by DuPont, while Syngenta and Monsanto occupy the last positions. From January to December 2007, DuPont, BASF and Bayer show the best progression. Results expressing the Reported Performance (positive news only) place DuPont in first position, followed by Dow Chemicals, Bayer and BASF.

Why is it so difficult for Chemical companies to be perceived as ethical? Because of their products, Covalence says. GMO is the biggest issue within negative news. It is a focal point of criticisms geared towards the Chemical industry. Other product-related issues that have made the ethical reputation of chemical companies suffer in 2007 are: Agent Orange, Biofuel production, DBCP pesticide in Central America, patent abuse / evergreening, Atrazine (PFO, Tauccamarca 1999), crop protection (Atrazine, Paraquat), and Aspartame/Nutrasweet risk. Pollution appears as the second most important issue within negative news.

While being intensively criticized, chemical products are also commented in favorable terms. This has been the case regarding: Olyset long lasting Insecticidal Net, biopolymer, Propylene Glycol Renewable, GMO, crop protection, responsible nanotechnology, and, in first place, energy (biofuel, hydrogen).

In times of high concerns regarding climate change, CO2 emissions and the need for more renewable energy, several chemical companies have managed to highlight their ecologically – friendly innovation efforts. DuPont has harvested numerous positive news with biofuel, and air products scored high with hydrogen technology. However, chemical companies active on biofuel face negative effects such as food shortage and price hike in developing countries and vulnerable communities.

Outside of products, chemical companies tend to show favorable ethical records. Among major positive issues registered in 2007 were: climate change initiatives, CSR commitment & reporting, health & safety, CSR awards & rankings, student grants, research & education, and water management.

Bookmark and Share Email this story Print this post Add your comments

Advertisers

Join the Discussion

Get EL Daily in your inbox, subscribe to free newsletter

Recent Jobs

Post a Job
Jobs powered by Simply Hired

Comments and Discussions

Liz Amason on Clorox Comes Clean With Chemical Content on Web Site
"But look at their ingredients listings. For example, their regular liquid bleach..."

Rigidflexibility on Companies Going Green Should Ignore Green Consumer
"I was about to market a metal working fluid that is 98>% Soybean oil and..."

Stuart on Canadian Environment Minister Denounces Quebec Vehicle Emissions Regs
"Canadians have been waiting for the feds to act on climate change for..."

Steve Wolford on Sports Teams Embrace Sustainability
"Hello Environmental Leader, We just returned from the National Sport Forum in Baltimore. Team and..."

Mauibrad on Bipartisan Senatorial Effort Seeks Cap and Trade for non-CO2 Emissions
"Finally some enlightened ideas out of Congress!"

Cameron Green on Data Centers Can Apply for Energy Star Rating in June
"I did a blog post about this. Essentially PUE doesn’t give you very much..."

JONES Bernard on SunPower Tops List of Best Solar Panel Manufacturers
"I am a adviser & installer of solar system, heating &..."