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The chemical sector
A concrete and final improvement of the situation can not be
achieved simply by stricter and heavier rules; what is needed
is a strong and effective collaboration within the whole chemical
sector. Thanks to its knowledge and innovation resources associated
to the appropriate financial coverage it may succeed to implement
this improvement.
The chemical manufacturers are currently providing positive
answers to the request of higher standards, by closely inspecting
and researching any aspect of their processes, developing new
technologies, treatment and systems not only meeting but often
overcoming requirements.
New safer products, less consumption of water end energy, lower
emissions in air, water and soil, intervention measures, transportation
safety, workplace safety and many other interventions have already
been implemented both by manufacturing and distribution, but
much more can and will be done.
Even distribution - that in the public opinion is an integral
feature of the chemical sector and as such indivisible from
production - should commit to the achievement of visible environmental,
safety and quality improvements. In particular, due to the fact
that distribution has far more contacts with the public, as
compared to manufacturing, it may have a much stronger impact
both in a positive or negative way.
Its higher visibility logically and unavoidably requires an
active involvement in the application of new standards to activities.
The same holds true concerning traders who, though not physically
handling the products, are dealing with large volumes and involving
the transportation and storing services. These should adopt
the same safety and quality standards as any other sector compartment,
hence the importance of the choice and evaluation of service
suppliers, product suppliers and even of the customers.
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