ICI wrestles with its conscience

Article Abstract:

Public and legislative pressures are compelling UK-based Imperial Chemical Industries PLC (ICI) to face up to its environmental responsibility. The chemical company, which releases thousands of tons of wastes that pollute air and water, has developed an environmental program with four goals: building factories in accordance with the highest international standards, reducing wastes by 50% within a five-year period, conserving energy and natural resources, and waste recycling. In 1991, ICI's environmental spending was placed at 340 million pounds sterling, a figure that is expected to reach one billion pounds within the next five years. The firm is trying to develop a substitute for the ozone-damaging choroflourocarbons, and promises to stop the manufacture of all harmful chemicals included in the 1989 Montreal Protocol by 1995.

CHEMICALS AND ALLIED PRODUCTS, Chemical industry, Imperial Chemical Industries PLC

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Audit scheme calls industry to account

Article Abstract:

The European Commission is proposing an evironmental auditing scheme intended to encourage European firms to improve their environmental management. The scheme will apply only to the industrial sector and participation will be on a voluntary basis. Companies that want to participate in the program will need to examine their current activities, set goals for improvement, create a controlling management system, and undertake regular self-audits. The Commission hopes that the eco-audit logo that will be given to participating companies will encourage other firms to join the program. However, the business community does not appear very enthusiastic about the Commission's proposal which they see as an additional burden.

Europe, Environmental aspects, Corporations, European Union. European Commission, Environmental auditing, Corporations, European

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Platinum risk

Article Abstract:

Rumors of massive platinum sales by the near bankrupt Russian government have helped to depress platinum prices, which have fallen to around the $330 an ounce level as of Jan 1992, barely half of the peak price levels of 1986. No significant recovery in prices is expected in 1992 and 1993 as the platinum market struggles to cope with a surplus estimated at 210,000 ounces in 1991. However, there are several factors that point to a possible price rise in the long term, these include possible production cutbacks in South Africa under a future black majority government, increased demand by Japanese consumers for platinum jewelry and increased use of platinum in industry.

Industrial inorganic chemicals, not elsewhere classified, Metal ores, not elsewhere classified, Jewelry, precious metal, Industry Overview, Economic aspects, International trade, Supply and demand, Russia, Platinum jewelry, Platinum mining, Platinum catalysts

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