The Masterclass for the Chemical Industry is a joint initiative by the Dutch Association for the Chemical Industry (VNCI), the regional authority of Zeeland and the BECO Group. Participants of the Masterclass include Eastman, Thermphos, Dow Chemical, General Electric Advanced Materials, Arcema (previously AtoFina), Total, Yara International, EPZ, Broomchemie, Cerestar, Invista and Pechiney.

The Masterclass initiative has three main goals. The first goal is to help the participating companies to improve their sustainability performance and to integrate sustainability in daily practice. Secondly the Masterclass will help create a sustainability network. Finally, the last goal of the Masterclass is to create a practical instrument for the chemical industry to measure their sustainability performance. In order to achieve the latter goal, BECO developed a Sustainability Strategy Scan for the Chemical Industry. The purpose of the scan is twofold. The scan measures and provides insight and transparency in the efforts the organisation exerts on the three dimensions of CSR (financial, social and environmental). The scan also provides insight in how the most relevant (internal and external) stakeholders perceive and value those efforts. Thus, the scan provides insight in and information about all aspects related to CSR. Based on the results of the company analysis and the stakeholder consultation, the company determines a strategic sustainability agenda identifying the main activities and priorities for the coming years.

All participating companies have used the scan to determine their strategic sustainability agenda. The sustainability agendas provide the necessary input for the Masterclass. Based on the topics the companies need and want to address, an expert or a company with experience in that field is invited. Topics that have been addressed in the Masterclass include: “Integrating sustainability in existing management systems”, “Stakeholder dialogue” and “Creating internal motivation and support”.

In addition to the Masterclass meetings, three specialist groups were formed around specific topics. For example, the communication specialists of the participating companies are now working together to improve the effectiveness of stakeholder communication. The best practises that result from these meetings are shared with all companies during the Masterclass. Other specialist groups are working on issues like motivation of personnel, charity and sponsoring policy, ethics and integrity and integrating sustainability in strategy and policy.

The Masterclass concept is very successful and the initiators aim to start with similar projects in other parts of the Netherlands. With each new Masterclass, the existing network will be expanded further. Experiences and best practises will then be shared between the participants of the different Masterclasses throughout the country.

More information on www.beco.nl, also available in English.

Read here the quotes of the participants.