We are predominantly involved in business-to-business transactions. This constitutes part of our role as a supplier of goods that are used to manufacture final products for the pharma, biotech and nutrition markets. We work to ensure that our products are fit for purpose and can be used by customers safely for their intended purpose. Our customers are generally formulators who also have procedures and specialists to assess hazards and risks as well as promote the safety of their products. However, we believe that our responsibilities include providing the foundation and data for the safe use of our customers’ products.
The safe handling, use and transportation of our products lie in the hands of competent specialists. These experts assess our products on the basis of their bio- and eco-toxicological properties and their physico-chemical properties and derive the appropriate measures within the applicable legal framework. A prerequisite of successful product launches in today's demanding markets is the on-deadline compliance with all statutory requirements like notification, registration, labeling and dissemination of material safety data sheets. Comprehensive and timely information for internal and external customers and for the authorities is a business condition.
Relevant Programs and Regulation
Relevant programs include the European Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) initiative, the US EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) and California Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act (Proposition 65). In addition, other countries are launching similar regulatory schemes (e.g., China-REACH, Korea K-REACH and K-BPR, Turkey KKDIK and UK-REACH). These are ongoing efforts, and we strive to comply with requirements, including those related to REACH Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC).
Animal Welfare
Wherever possible, we use validated alternatives to animal testing. We have developed alternatives, including the primary cell and media product lines in Bioscience Solutions, which can replace animal models in research and development labs.
However, many regulatory authorities continue to require animal testing to ensure the safe handling and use of products, especially in the development of health ingredients. In such cases, we carefully select independent contract laboratories that meet the highest ethical and quality standards and are accredited for animal welfare protection.