Product Stewardship
At Covestro, product stewardship encompasses the assessment of health, safety, and environmental considerations across our products' life cycle. We design our products to ensure safety when used as intended throughout this life cycle – from research and production to customer use, disposal and recycling.
Chemical substances form the foundation of our portfolio, with many intended for further processing within value chains. While the inherent reactivity of these substances is essential to achieving desired properties in our customers’ end products, this same reactivity may present potential risks to humans or the environment. Certain substances may be classified as substances of very high concern (SVHC) under the EU REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) or fall under the category of substances of concern (SoC). Our product stewardship program has built and maintains expertise in the assessment and safe use of our substances. We provide information and training to our customers that often extends beyond minimum legal requirements.
Our approach provides transparent safety information, ensures regulatory compliance that supports our license to operate, and serves as an essential foundation for our business. This approach enables innovation while ensuring responsible development of products that contribute to economic growth and technological advancement. Product stewardship is also a cornerstone of our broader commitment to human rights.
How we manage product stewardship
Product stewardship at Covestro encompasses both regulatory compliance and voluntary commitments. Our approach acknowledges the precautionary principle outlined in the United Nations’ Rio Declaration and European Commission guidelines – which involves taking protective measures when scientific evaluation plausibly indicates potential risks.
Our product safety assessment follows a structured approach: Initially identifying substances subject to regulatory requirements, followed by scientific evaluation of potential risks. Based on these assessments, appropriate measures may include technical solutions, revised application guidance, or in certain cases, substance substitution.
As part of our commitment to product stewardship, we provide transparency beyond regulatory requirements by making safety data sheets available for all of our products.
Chemical Regulations Compliance and Reporting
Covestro operates in accordance with chemical regulations across all regions, including REACH in Europe and the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the United States, among others. These regulatory frameworks serve to safeguard human health and the environment.
Our global compliance structure includes the monitoring of various regulatory lists and developments worldwide. These requirements integrate into our internal guidelines and IT systems.
We regularly report on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) or other Substances of Concern (SoC) which we procure, use and produce in our Annual Report.
Participation in Industry Initiatives
We actively participate in Responsible Care™, the chemical industry's commitment to continuous improvement in environment, safety, and health. Through membership in associations such as the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA), the American Chemistry Council (ACC), and the China Petroleum and Chemical Industry Federation (CPCIA), we engage in chemical assessment activities. We also support research on new testing methodologies that contribute to enhancing regulatory frameworks.
Covestro is dedicated to transparency with all stakeholders through various channels, including information exchange through product labeling and safety data sheets, along with stakeholder engagement, training programs, and industry collaboration.
For more information, please visit our Product Safety First website.
