Progressive companies leading the way
Industry is a powerful force in political policymaking in the environmental field. This has been clearly demonstrated for example during the ongoing REACH process in the EU. A prevalent view among media, politicians and others is that industry finds chemical regulations burdensome and a threat to financial profits. This view contrasts with evidence showing that large sectors of industry would gain from stricter chemicals legislation: it creates a more equal playing field, improves public and consumer relations, and therefore can be quite profitable to companies.
A growing number of companies are running toxics reduction programmes, inspired by international environmental agreements as well as their clients’concern for safer products.