Shell is taking a European programme promoting the safe and responsible handling of isocyanates used in polyurethane foam production to its global polyols customers.
Although not produced by Shell, isocyanates such as TDI are used to react with polyols in foam manufacturing processes.
The ‘Walk the Talk’ programme, based on guidelines developed by the European polyurethanes industry body ISOPA, has raised awareness of the hazardous nature of isocyanates among customers in Europe. Now, Shell is choosing to roll the guidelines out to key developing markets as well.
“We’re using the experience and learnings from the initial rollout to take the programme to a global audience,” says Elder Teixeira, Urethane Chemicals Sales Manager for Latin America. “Customers in Latin America are not getting this information from other sources and so appreciate the fact Shell is sharing this knowledge with them, in order that they can understand the risks and make sure their people are protected.”
Shell’s TDI product stewardship campaign includes:
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distributing the ISOPA checklists and guidelines, and translating them into a number of additional languages
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site visits by Sales and Technical Support staff to go through checklists, provide assessments and present training videos
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working with the people handling the chemical, as well as engaging with the customer’s management team
Brazilian experience
CBP of Brazil is one of Shell’s major polyols customers in Latin America and a leading foam producer. As a result of Shell’s awareness campaign it has been proactive in implementing measures to raise standards for handling TDI.
Guilherme Koury, the company’s owner and Marketing Director, says its motive is simple: “Although we employ more than 400 people we are still essentially a family business. We want to look after our people and provide a safe environment for them to work in because they are part of the family and part of our success.”
CBP has used the ISOPA guidelines and other support materials provided by Shell to train and inform its workforce, and to manage TDI emissions. “Shell’s commitment to sharing its knowledge and experience with us has been key to making this happen,” he says.
Raising standards
The challenge of raising standards across developing markets can be significant. Shell standards are often still way ahead of local regulations, where they exist. “Problems arise because of low awareness of the hazards of working with TDI, particularly among smaller companies,” explains Aditi Sawhney, Sales Manager for India and the Philippines. “But customers aspire to global HSSE standards even if they are not there yet, and have responded positively to our approach.”
Praduman Patel, Joint Managing Director of Sheela Foam and Joyce of Australia - a subsidiary of Sheela Foam, India’s largest foam producer - says that while his company has invested in modern foaming equipment and extraction technology, Shell’s engagement programme has still helped to fine-tune its standards and processes. “There are always things to learn and ways to improve and the Shell campaign has helped to raise awareness and bring these issues to the surface.”
Consumer trust
Foam producers in developing markets increasingly understand the importance of reputation in gaining the trust of their growing numbers of potential consumers.
“They see no reason not to have the same health and safety standards as their counterparts in Europe and North America and we are helping them towards that goal,” says Teixeira.
This feature was added to the Innovations section in December 2007
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