International requirements pertaining to chemicals legislation
The EU regulation known as REACH entered into force on June 1, 2007. REACH transfers responsibility for checking the safety of chemicals from the national authorities to manufacturers and importers. All substances produced in the EU or imported to the EU in volumes of one metric ton or more per year must be registered stepwise in the coming years. At Merck, all REACH-relevant substances were identified. The next step involves preparing the preregistration of substances, which is to be concluded in the third quarter of 2008. The first registration dossiers are to be submitted as of June 1, 2008. The aim is to ensure the safe handling of substances from Merck while minimizing the administrative burden on all supply chain participants.
Merck also supports the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), which was adopted by the United Nations. In order to improve hazard communication and to facilitate the sale and purchase of chemicals, by 2008 this guideline will harmonize national regulations on classifying and labeling substances, transport law as well as safety data sheets worldwide. Merck has already started with the implementation. The aim is to launch the first products with the new classification and labeling as soon as the GHS regulation enters into force so that Merck customers have enough time to switch their hazard communication over to GHS.
Recording data globally to protect people and the environment
Against the backdrop of global responsibility for people and the environment, Merck further improved its processes in international environmental, safety and quality management in 2007. Apart from key environmental figures, all internal and external audits and certifications from around 80 sites, including the new Merck Serono additions, were documented in a timely and detailed manner. Spending on environmental protection, health and safety totaled around €122 million in 2007.
At approximately 162,000 metric tons, Merck’s CO2 emissions remained at a low level in 2007, about 4% less than in 2006. As part of the CO2 emissions trading scheme within the European Union, in 2007 a surplus of 52,693 metric tons resulted from emission credits and lower CO2 emissions. Such credits are issued to companies, entitling them to a certain emissions volume. Achieving a reduction in emissions makes it possible to sell the excess credits. In 2007, Merck sold 75,000 credits, generating proceeds of €71,250.
