Environmental Responsibility

Nearly everywhere in the world, the environment and safety are two of the most regulated sectors. Industrial companies, the chemical industry included, are subject to comprehensive and detailed permits and supervisory schemes. These schemes determine our basic operational requirements, which must remain unchanged even during an economic downturn. While voluntary investments can be postponed, we cannot compromise with respect to fundamental prerequisites.

The regulative environment is also largely accountable for creating opportunities for the environmental business. Western societies cannot even imagine giving up such basics as clean drinking water or treatment of waste water, even during an economic downturn. This fosters stability in the environmental business, both in the public sector and among our industrial customers.

Last year, Kemira continued improving its environmental and safety performance despite significant economic challenges and changes. Safety in particular requires a disciplined, long-term view, involving many small steps and an ongoing commitment to raising standards. In our research and development, we will focus on a number of key areas, with water as the common denominator.

Harri Kerminen
President and CEO, Kemira

Read more about Kemira's environmental responsibility:
Environmental report 2008 (.pdf)