Univar in the spotlight at 2009 FECC Annual Congress in Helsinki, Finland
- Categories: SHEQ, Univar Europe News
- 24 June 2009
Helsinki, Finland, 23rd June 2009 – Univar, a leading European company specialising in the sales, marketing, application and safe handling of a wide range of chemicals and ingredients, took centre stage at this year’s Annual Congress of the European Association of Chemical Distributors (FECC). With a keynote speech by John van Osch, Univar President EMEA and the prestigious FECC award for Michael Cooke, Univar Europe SHEQ Director, the company showcased its leadership within the industry.
John van Osch presented a keynote speech on the first day of the conference (23rd June). In his presentation he stressed the importance of sustainability for the chemicals industry, both from a producers’ and distributors’ perspective. “The main challenge for the chemical industry remains sustainability, especially within today’s economic climate. Univar has been a pioneer in this field with the introduction three years ago of U+, a goal-based combined management system that requires each Univar site to continually improve their Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality management (SHEQ) performance. U+ sets a new benchmark for safety and environmental standards in the chemical distribution sector, going far beyond the legal requirements. The pressure on companies and society to adopt more sustainable behaviour is an opportunity for us as our leadership in SHEQ differentiates us from other companies.”
In addition, FECC’s President, Mauro Di Vito, presented the 2009 FECC Award to Michael Cooke, SHEQ Director at Univar Europe. Michael was thanked for his dedication and involvement in FECC and was said to be instrumental as Chairman of the FECC Health Safety and Environment (HSE) Committee in steering advocacy activities towards a workable REACH implementation for the long-term benefit of the distribution sector. FECC’s Director General, Hendrik Abma, expressed gratitude for Michael’s contribution to the association and the chemical distribution industry, “Michael Cooke plays a key role in several FECC activities. One might say he is one of the greatest supporters of FECC, its mission and the vision behind our Association. We are looking forward to his continued support and leadership for the chemical distribution industry through FECC.”
John van Osch also applauded Michael’s achievement, “We are very proud that Michael received this recognition. Within Univar, he is the key driver behind U+ and has always put a lot of emphasis on motivating employees to continue to improve on health and safety, environmental and quality performance at their sites.”
FECC’s President, Mauro Di Vito, presents the 2009 FECC Award to Michael Cooke
As a result of the focus U+ has put on Safety, Health, Environmental and Quality management (SHEQ), Univar’s accident rate throughout Europe has decreased by more than 50% in the last two years. Univar’s 50+ sites in Europe have an accident frequency rate that is well below the industry average - Univar sites are seven times safer than the average of other chemical distribution companies.
More information about Univar’s commitment to sustainability can be found in the Univar’s CSR report 2008 and on the Univar Europe website.
About Univar
Univar is one of the world’s leading independent distributors of industrial and specialty chemicals and related services. Univar provides its customer base, made up of 250,000 customers, with a full portfolio of products. Univar operates a network of approximately 170 distribution centres throughout North America, Europe and China. In 2008, Univar reported sales of $9.4 billion. For more information, visit: http://www.univareurope.com/ / http://www.univarcorp.com/.
About FECC
FECC is the European voice of the chemical distribution industry. Its membership includes both national associations and companies throughout Europe. FECC members create value in the supply chain by meeting the demands of over one million downstream users ranging over all branches of industry, with their specific needs and diverse purchase volumes.
About the FECC Congress
The FECC Congress gathers over 300 senior industry players from the chemical distribution sector from Europe, USA, Canada, China, India, Brazil and Mexico. With several high level speakers, the FECC Annual Congress is the most important event for the European Chemical Distributors industry. This year it celebrates its 55th anniversary.
For further information please contact:
Catherine LENNON
Communications Manager Europe – Univar Europe
Tel: +32 2 525 05 63
Mobile: +32 478 251 588
E-mail: Catherine.lennon@univareurope.com
Eva BÖCKLE
HILL & KNOWLTON
Tel: +32 2 737 95 00
Mobile: +32 478 52 35 16
E-mail: eboeckle@hillandknowlton.com