Published 06-25-24
Submitted by Responsible Business Alliance
ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 25, 2024 /CSRwire/ - The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) today announced the launch of its Chemical Management Leadership Program, a risk-based, voluntary commitment program to advance responsible chemical management in global electronics supply chains.
The RBA and its member companies strive to drive the adoption of leading standards in responsible chemical management throughout the electronics production value chain to protect workers’ health and safety. The RBA’s goal to advance sustainability globally is grounded in its Code of Conduct, which includes occupational health and safety provisions that require worker exposures to chemical, biological, and physical agents to be appropriately identified, evaluated, and controlled in accordance with a hierarchy of controls.
Standards on supply chain due diligence and materials restrictions are relatively fragmented in the electronics production sector, accentuating the benefits of an industry-wide collaboration to accelerate progress. In collaboration with its member companies, the RBA developed the Chemical Management Leadership Program (CMLP) to harmonize chemical management due diligence efforts and support industry leaders in demonstrating continuous improvement through increased transparency and collective action.
This program is inspired and enabled by industry collaboration among RBA members and their suppliers, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders. The program seeks to advance progress on the sound management of chemicals toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The CMLP was designed to align with the internationally recognized approach to responsible business conduct articulated in the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises on Responsible Business Conduct. Based on these guidelines, the program was designed to enable industry collective action that is risk-based and strives for continuous improvement. It is supported by the RBA’s Code of Conduct and Specialty Validated Assessment Program (SVAP) on Chemical Management, in addition to other resources.
“The RBA encourages all companies to adopt a risk-based approach to chemical management due diligence,” said Rob Lederer, CEO of the Responsible Business Alliance. “The RBA Chemical Management Leadership Program will facilitate best practices and further protect workers throughout global electronics supply chains.”
The objectives of the CMLP are to:
RBA member companies can learn more about participation in the RBA’s Chemical Management Leadership Program by contacting environment@responsiblebusiness.org.
About the Responsible Business Alliance
The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) is a mission-driven organization comprised of leading companies dedicated to responsible business conduct in their global supply chains. The RBA has a Code of Conduct and a range of programs, training and assessment tools to support continuous improvement. The organization has a global footprint, with offices in North America, Europe and Asia. The RBA and its Responsible Minerals, Labor and Factory Initiatives have more than 500 members with combined annual revenues of greater than $7.7 trillion, directly employing over 21.5 million people, with products manufactured in more than 120 countries. For more information, visit ResponsibleBusiness.org.
Media Contact
Jarrett Bens, Senior Director of Communications
Responsible Business Alliance
Phone: +1 571.858.5721
jbens@responsiblebusiness.org
The Responsible Business Alliance is the world’s largest industry coalition dedicated to corporate social responsibility in global supply chains.
About the RBA
The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) is a nonprofit coalition of leading companies dedicated to improving social, environmental and ethical conditions in their global supply chains. The RBA has a Code of Conduct and a range of programs, training and assessment tools to support continual improvement. The RBA and its Responsible Minerals, Labor and Factory Initiatives have more than 380 members with combined annual revenues of greater than $7.7 trillion, directly employing over 21.5 million people, with products manufactured in more than 120 countries.
Vision & Mission
Vision: A global electronics industry that creates sustainable value for workers, the environment and business.
Mission: Members, suppliers and stakeholders collaborate to improve working and environmental conditions through leading standards and practices.
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