Statement on the Eka Chemicals policy with regard to sustainability in the pulp and paper industry.
As a business unit within Akzo Nobel, Eka Chemicals acts in compliance with Akzo Nobel's policy and guidelines.
Eka Chemicals has global operations in chemical production, supplying the pulp and paper industry. Eka has set a policy for its engagement concerning the supply of raw materials used in the manufacturing of pulp and paper.
Akzo Nobel Business Principles
We will conduct our activities in a socially responsible manner. In this respect, we observe the laws of the countries in which we operate, support fundamental human rights in line with the legitimate role of business, and give proper regard to health, safety and the environment consistent with our commitment to contributing to sustainable development.
Akzo Nobel Policy statement on Health, Safety and Environment
Akzo Nobel actively supports the guiding principles of the Business Charter for Sustainable Development of the International Chamber of Commerce, the Responsible Care® program of the chemical industry and the Coatings Care® program of the paint and printing ink industry. Akzo Nobel is committed to all its sites complying with the ISO 14000 standards for the environment.
Environment
Akzo Nobel protects the environment by preventing or minimizing the environmental impact of its activities and products, through appropriate design, manufacturing, distribution, use and disposal practices.
Eka Chemicals Policy on sustainable fiber supply for pulp and paper production
Eka Chemicals is committed to minimizing the impact on the environment and using natural resources responsibly. Through our engagement in the pulp and paper industry, we are committed to working with customers who follow the practices, laws and guidelines of the forestry industry in the countries they operate. We are committed to working with partners who source fiber raw material from environmentally and socially responsible sources. We understand that environmental demands are increasing and that we and our partners need to meet new standards as well as minimize any negative environmental and social impact.
We recognize that supply chains for fiber are complex. We are committed to working with partners who apply the following principles as a part of any agreement regarding investment by Eka in a pulp production unit:
· The mill shall know the primary source(s) of the wood that they purchase
· The mill shall make sure that all wood in the supply chain comes from legal sources.
· We are committed to working with partners who do not use wood sourced from High Conservation Value Forests unless strict conservation safeguards are in place.
· We encourage the implementation of internationally recognized certification schemes that assure natural virgin wood fiber is sourced from well-managed forests or plantations that apply the principles and criteria of sustainable forestry from other sustainable cultivation and/or recycled fiber.
· We pay particular attention to those countries and regions in the world that have a poor record of forest management issues and, although not following all the criteria of the Forestry Stewardship Council, are working towards improving their forestry management practices by applying the principles and criteria of sustainable forestry to improve their environmental and social impact
Göteborg, June 27, 2006
Jan Svärd
President