AkzoNobel’s work in the area of product stewardship has been recognized with the 2015 European Responsible Care Award from the European Chemicals Industry Association (CEFIC).

Presented in Brussels, Belgium, the jury highlighted the company’s entry for its priority substance program as “an excellent demonstration on how to effectively engage in product stewardship”.

The winning submission highlighted the work that has been taking place since 2011 to review and manage priority substances that are used in AkzoNobel’s products and processes.

The program takes a proactive global approach to the management of hazardous substances used or generated in AkzoNobel products and processes and promotes the use of safer and more sustainable products. It also enables the company to manage harmful substances in advance of legislation.

“We’re very pleased to have received this important recognition,” said Corporate Director of Sustainability & HSE, André Veneman. “Safety and sustainability are embedded throughout our company. By going beyond the traditional approach of reactive regulatory compliance, we can provide customers with products that meet or exceed their expectations.”

Earlier this year, AkzoNobel was recognized as an industry leader by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), after receiving an award for product safety. The company was also presented with a merit award for Responsible Care in China from the Association of International Chemical manufacturers (AICM).

AkzoNobel is on target to complete its review program for the current list of priority substances by the end of 2015. The company will also continue to proactively manage hazardous substances through industry-leading product stewardship programs.