International Council of Chemical Associations

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) is a prominent trade association representing the global chemical industry. With its members accounting for over 90 per cent of global chemical sales, ICCA plays a pivotal role in shaping the industry's direction and policies. Moreover, the chemical industry supports a vast workforce, directly or indirectly employing more than 120 million people worldwide.

In line with the 1992 UN Conference on Environment and Development's objectives, ICCA recognizes the significance of partnerships between governments, the private sector, and civil society in achieving sound chemicals management and sustainable development goals on a global scale. To this end, ICCA actively seeks to strengthen its collaborations with various influential organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and other intergovernmental and nongovernmental entities. By fostering these partnerships, ICCA aims to establish a robust foundation for addressing pressing global challenges.

ICCA prides itself on being an association of innovators, visionaries, solutions providers, and pioneers in product stewardship. Above all, its members approach challenges as opportunities to tackle some of the world's most significant problems. With a mission to enhance the financial performance and reputation of the global chemical industry, ICCA works towards continuous improvement through initiatives like Responsible Care and other programs. By addressing global issues and promoting responsible practices, ICCA strives to contribute to the industry's ongoing progress.

As a virtual organization, ICCA operates by coordinating the efforts of individuals from its member associations and their respective member companies. The association is governed by a Board of Directors representing member associations and overseen by a steering committee responsible for the supervision of several working-level groups. This collaborative structure ensures effective governance and coordination to drive ICCA's mission forward.

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has a rich history that reflects the evolution and growth of the global chemical industry. Its origins can be traced back to the late 1980s when the chemical industry recognized the need for a unified voice and collaborative approach to address shared challenges and opportunities.

The idea for an international organization representing the chemical industry took shape during a time when environmental concerns and regulatory pressures were mounting. In 1989, the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) launched an initiative called Responsible Care, aimed at enhancing chemical safety, environmental stewardship, and community engagement within the industry. The success of Responsible Care in Canada inspired industry leaders from other countries to explore the possibility of a global alliance.

In 1990, representatives from several chemical industry associations met in Brussels, Belgium, to establish the International Council of Chemical Associations. The founding members included prominent regional trade associations like Cefic (European Chemical Industry Council) and the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, as well as national associations such as the American Chemistry Council. This marked the formal inception of ICCA as the trade association representing the global chemical industry.

Since its establishment, ICCA has played a crucial role in advocating for the interests of the chemical industry worldwide. It has been a key platform for fostering cooperation, sharing best practices, and addressing global challenges faced by the industry. ICCA's membership has steadily grown, encompassing leading chemical companies and associations from various regions across the globe.

One of ICCA's significant achievements has been its stewardship of Responsible Care, which initially started as a Canadian initiative. Responsible Care is a voluntary program that focuses on improving chemical safety, health, and environmental performance. Over time, Responsible Care expanded globally, with ICCA playing a central role in extending its reach through the development of the Global Product Strategy and the Global Charter. These initiatives have further enhanced the industry's commitment to sustainability and responsible practices.

Throughout its history, ICCA has actively engaged with international organizations, governments, and civil society to address chemical management and sustainable development goals. Recognizing the importance of partnerships, ICCA has collaborated with entities like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and other influential stakeholders to build a stronger foundation for the industry.

As ICCA continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to promoting innovation, responsible practices, and continuous improvement within the chemical industry. By uniting industry leaders, fostering collaboration, and advocating for global issues, ICCA strives to shape a sustainable and prosperous future for the chemical industry and the communities it serves.

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has set forth clear goals and purposes that drive its activities and initiatives. As the trade association of the global chemical industry, ICCA is committed to advancing the interests of its members and promoting sustainable development in the sector. Here are the key goals and purposes of ICCA:

Representation and Advocacy: ICCA aims to provide a unified voice for the chemical industry on a global scale. It represents the interests of its members, which account for more than 90 percent of global chemical sales. By advocating for favorable policies, regulations, and standards, ICCA seeks to create an enabling environment for the industry's growth, competitiveness, and contribution to societal well-being.

Sustainability and Responsible Care: ICCA is committed to promoting sustainable practices within the chemical industry. It seeks to enhance environmental, health, and safety performance by championing responsible care principles and initiatives. Through the Responsible Care program, ICCA encourages its members to continually improve their performance in areas such as product stewardship, resource efficiency, pollution prevention, and community engagement.

Collaboration and Partnerships: ICCA recognizes the importance of collaboration among governments, the private sector, and civil society in achieving global chemical management and sustainable development goals. It actively seeks to strengthen existing partnerships and establish new ones with global organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and other intergovernmental and non-governmental entities. By working together, ICCA aims to leverage collective knowledge and resources to address global challenges effectively.

Innovation and Solutions: ICCA sees itself as an association of innovators, visionaries, and solutions providers. It embraces a proactive approach to tackling the world's most pressing issues through the power of chemistry. ICCA encourages its members to develop and promote innovative solutions that contribute to sustainable development, circular economy practices, and the well-being of society at large. By fostering a culture of innovation, ICCA seeks to position the chemical industry as a catalyst for positive change.

Continuous Improvement: ICCA is dedicated to supporting the continuous improvement of its members and the chemical industry as a whole. Through various programs, initiatives, and knowledge-sharing platforms, ICCA facilitates the exchange of best practices, scientific research, and technological advancements. By encouraging its members to adopt industry-leading practices, ICCA aims to enhance the financial performance and reputation of the global chemical industry.

The International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) has made significant impacts on the global chemical industry and beyond through its initiatives, collaborations, and advocacy efforts. Here are some of the notable impacts of ICCA:

Global Representation: ICCA serves as a unified platform representing the interests of its members, which account for more than 90 percent of global chemical sales. By providing a collective voice, ICCA has been able to influence policy discussions, regulatory frameworks, and international agreements that shape the industry. Its advocacy efforts have helped create a favorable business environment for chemical companies worldwide.

Advancement of Responsible Care: ICCA is the steward of Responsible Care, a voluntary initiative aimed at improving chemical safety, environmental performance, and sustainability. Through Responsible Care, ICCA has fostered a culture of continuous improvement within the industry. This program has resulted in enhanced safety measures, reduced environmental impact, and increased community engagement by ICCA member companies.

Collaboration for Sustainable Development: ICCA recognizes the importance of partnerships and collaborations in achieving sustainable development goals. By working closely with global organizations such as UNEP, UNITAR, and OECD, ICCA has strengthened cooperation and knowledge-sharing across sectors. This collaboration has contributed to the development of effective policies, guidelines, and best practices for sound chemical management and sustainable development.

Promotion of Innovation and Solutions: ICCA encourages innovation within the chemical industry to address global challenges. By fostering a culture of innovation, ICCA has promoted the development of sustainable and resource-efficient solutions. Through its initiatives and programs, ICCA has facilitated the sharing of scientific research, technological advancements, and best practices among its members, leading to the development of innovative products, processes, and business models.

Positive Environmental and Social Impacts: ICCA's commitment to responsible practices has resulted in positive environmental and social impacts. Through initiatives focused on pollution prevention, resource efficiency, and product stewardship, ICCA member companies have reduced their ecological footprint and improved the health and safety of their operations. Additionally, ICCA's efforts to engage with local communities and stakeholders have contributed to building trust, fostering dialogue, and addressing societal concerns related to the chemical industry.

Global Reach and Influence: With its wide membership base and extensive network, ICCA has a global reach and significant influence. Through its conferences, forums, and knowledge-sharing platforms, ICCA has provided a platform for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to exchange ideas, collaborate, and address common challenges. This global reach has facilitated the dissemination of best practices, the sharing of expertise, and the acceleration of sustainable development efforts across regions.