Sustainability in the Coatings Industry – Going Beyond Green

By Cynthia Challener

Sustainability in the coatings industry has progressed through a number of stages and continues to evolve. Even after many years, though, there still is not one specific definition for sustain­ability beyond the general concept of producing for today without harming the opportunities for future generations. Most companies do agree, however, that adopting sustainable strategies is a necessity, and that involving all partici­pants in the value chain and stakehold­ers in the business is essential.

Many have implemented compre­hensive sustainability strategies to ensure that all aspects of their opera­tions work to improve their performance. Sustainability is, in fact, a continuous process at Bayer MaterialScience LLC, ac­cording to Jim Thompson-Colon, head of the sustainability program in the Coatings, Adhesives & Sealants business. The company’s Sustainability Community Council is made up of Bayer employees from a variety of market divisions who report on sustainability achievements and prog­ress in their business units.

Over 1000 employees spend time working with stu­dents and teachers using the company’s Making Science Make Sense education outreach program. In addition, Bayer has participated in the development of the new ANSI green chemistry standard.