www.boots.com. chemicals in consumer products a precautionary approach
TRANSCRIPT
www.boots.com
Chemicals in consumer products
A precautionary approach
Overview of today's presentation
• Background to the Boots company• Priorities for Boots• Precautionary approach in action.• Chemicals Working Group (CWG)• Choosing the right alternatives.• Communicating to our stakeholders• The challenges going forward• Key lessons.
Company statistics
Over 150 years in business
Turnover: £5,300m ($8,500m)
Company statistics
1400 retail stores
Company statistics
• 30,000 product lines • 8,000 cosmetics and toiletry lines• 6 products changed every day (on average)• 5,000 suppliers• 5,500 raw materials.
- 500 perfume compounds
- 50 to 250 components• 15,000 packaging components per year
Scale of operation
Source: The Henley Centre PSC1994, PSC1997; PSC1998; PCC1999/2000
46
78
52 51
74 73
48
59
52
61
83
65
57
81 83
62
7471
56
78
59 61
79 79
51
67 69
59
72
48
55
6966
45
57 5957
77
48
57
6762
42
5861
0
20
40
60
80
100
Body shop Boots The
Chemists
Coca Cola Co-op Heinz Marks &
Spencer
Pepsi Sainsbury's Tesco
1994 1997 1998 1999 2000
Brand trust
• Reinforce trust in the brand• By delivering
- customer safety
- customer satisfaction
- customer choice
Priorities for Boots
• Identify chemicals issue as a key sustainable development objective
• Develop clear, transparent policy• Engage with supply chain• Maximise benefits of in-house manufacturing• Develop strategic alliances
- key stakeholders
- trade associations
The way forward
• Internal buy in• Supplier input and education• Integral part of new product development process• Auditing• Incorporation into existing management systems
Implementation of the policy
• Nonylphenol ethoxylates• CFCs• Hexachlorophene• Cyclotetrasiloxane• Phthalates
A precautionary approach
A review of current articles suggests that the proposed adverse effect of the degradation products of NPE in males of several species is, at best, tenuous. Concering human males, it is not generally accepted that there has been a significant reduction in fertility mediated by reduced sperm numbers. Further epidemiology studes are necessary.
A literature search of several toxicological databases failed to produce any papers of value. A further search is to be conducted by Dr Steele [toxicologist].
Action: Dr Steele
Dr Hudgins [medical doctor] has not been able to unearth any work-related health problems caused by these substances. Notwithstanding the scientific evidence for and against NPEs, possible public concern and the potential persistence of degradation products in the aquatic environment suggests that BCM’s intention to avoid future formulating with these compounds appears prudent.
Mr Stevenson [safety manager] agreed to ascertain the position of other relevant business units. Action: Mr Stevenson
Nonylphenol ethoxylates
Chemicals Working Group
ExpertiseCo-ordinated approach
Priority substances list
Database of usage
Action plan
Chemicals working group
Communicating with stakeholders
• REACH• Using the chemicals issue as a key sustainable
development indicator• Maintaining a dialogue with stakeholders• Increasing engagement with the supply chain• Developing strategic alliances
- key stakeholders
- trade associations
The way forward
More information
http://www.boots-plc.com/environment/
www.boots.com