Ciba strives for a leading position in all its markets and business segments. An important element to ensure business leadership is the successful integration of EHS management into all relevant business processes.

We will focus on Product and Process Innovation, Supply Chain Management and Customer Support to improve continuously the EHS performance of our products and services.

We are committed to exploring all reasonable opportunities to apply our EHS strategies and policies in close cooperation with our customers and suppliers for the benefit of all parties.

Dr. A. Meyer
Chairman of the Board

Ciba is committed to:

• integrating EHS management into business processes and strategic planning;
  
  
• global compliance with laws, regulations, international treaties and conventions;
  
  
• minimizing, managing and communicating all risks relating to its products and operations;
  
  
• participating in Responsible Care programmes in all major regions;
  
  
• maintaining a high level of awareness, motivation, training and professionalism in EHS for all employees;
  
  
• continuously improving EHS performance through goal-setting and measurement;
  
  
• considering EHS performance as a key element in selecting suppliers, distributors and contractors;
  
  
• communicating EHS strategies and performance openly and consistently to all key stakeholders.
  
  

Integration into Business Processes
We strongly believe that EHS concerns should not be handled by specialists separated from the value-added chain. We know that environmental concerns create opportunities rather than threats for our business and their customer industries. Therefore we integrate the management of EHS into our key business processes through

• product and process innovation;
• material requirement planning, purchasing and manufacturing;
• distribution and customer support;
• product portfolio management.
• Global Compliance

Global Compliance
Through our communications network and audit concept, we monitor our global business activities to ensure that they comply with local laws and regulations.

We respect all relevant international treaties and conventions. Where appropriate regulations are not yet in place or not enforced by local authorities, we apply our own guidelines based on good scientific judgement and sound industry practices.

Risk Management and Communication
To identify, minimize and manage relevant risks arising from our products and manufacturing operations, we apply state-of-the-art science and technologies. We communicate openly and consistently with our employees and external stakeholders on the specific risks and our approach to minimize them. We support and promote Responsible Care programmes in all countries and regions where we are active.

High Awareness and Motivation
Our employees bring a high level of awareness and motivation into Ciba, knowing well that sustaining a strong EHS culture is vital. Our efforts towards training and motivation will continue in our new company.

Measurements and goal setting
Eco-efficiency will be established as the basis for the continuous reduction of the environmental impact of our products and manufacturing processes. We will measure and report on our material and energy input versus production output. On a case-by-case basis, we strive to improve eco-efficiency through the life cycle of key products in close cooperation with suppliers and customers. In addition, we will set goals and measure all relevant safety and health parameters on our manufacturing sites.

Selecting Partners in the Supply Chain
We will purchase materials from manufacturers who meet applicable laws and regulations or have explicit plans approved by local authorities to comply with EHS-requirements. We monitor and evaluate the EHS performance of suppliers, toll manufacturers and distributors. Where there are insufficient local regulatory frameworks, we make sure, through visits and reviews, that our partners apply good industry practices.

Communicating Performance
Communication of our EHS performance to all stakeholders - employees, local communities media authorities, shareholders - is essential for continuous progress. Our communications tools include the Internet and newsletters published by sites, business units and divisions. Our global performance review will be published annually.