Luke Grocholl, Head of Food Regulatory Experts
Merck Flavors & Fragrances
Growing concern about the environmental impact of industrialization led to the formation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. Initially prioritizing emissions, pesticide use, and pollution, the EPA and other organizations and agencies have since adopted a more holistic approach to environmental protection. Regulators and independent groups evaluated the complete manufacturing and harvesting lifecycle across various industries, identifying ecological practices that could be implemented. In 1998, the EPA published its Principles of Green Chemistry to promote sustainability in chemical manufacturing.
These 12 principles provide a roadmap for the chemical industry to ecologically produce valuable and necessary products.
The twelve principles of green chemistry are:
In essence, the green chemistry principles shift the focus of chemical manufacturing from solely optimizing time and yield to optimizing the entire process, from sourcing raw materials to managing the product as well as any resulting byproducts or waste. All the principles can be applied to the manufacture of greener aroma chemicals for the flavors and fragrances industry. These principles also tie in closely with food safety, as they involve reducing the use of potentially toxic solvents and reagents in the production of products intended for consumption.
With the complexity of modern supply chains, however, it may be difficult to determine if source materials or raw materials adhere to green principles. To find products that align with green objectives, look for flags such as the Greener Alternative Product symbol.
Sustainability practices can also be supported by other programs and certifications. For instance, ISO 14001 certification is a widely recognized environmental management system, while ISO 5001 is a system that centers on efficient energy management.
Additional systems and programs may concentrate on addressing specific sourcing challenges. For example, palm oil may be a renewable resource, but the harvest of palm oil may result in the destruction of critically endangered forests. The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) is an independent body established to help ensure that palm oil is harvested sustainably. Other more formalized systems, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) or the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) help minimize the risk that naturally sourced materials were harvested from endangered species.
Programs to help prevent the exploitation of workers are as essential as environmental programs. SEDEX, the Supplier Ethical Data Exchange, is one of the most commonly used standards for fair labor treatment in the food industries. This standard focuses on fair treatment of workers as well as environmental sustainability. Through the SEDEX interface, suppliers and producers can share detailed information regarding their fair labor and ecological practices. SEDEX is further reinforced through SMETA audits. Safe working practices are also the focus of the ISO 45001 system, and SEDEX can go hand-in-hand with ISO 45001 certification.
Firms focused on improving their sustainability cannot rely on a single program or certification to meet all their needs. Instead, they should adopt a combination of practices, principles, and certificates such as those described above to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. Identify our products that adhere to green chemistry principles by searching for the Greener Alternative Product symbol. Connect with us on SEDEX for more specific information on product sourcing or certification.
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