Challenges faced by the chemical industry

There are many challenges that are common in the chemical industry, including:

• Dealing with environmental effects: Disposing of materials can cause environmental hazards, damaging the environment and even posing threats to your company’s employees. Such type of damage requires remediation, not only for the local area but also for your brand reputation, as customers are now digitally active and vigilant about environmental incidents.
• Public health: In addition to assessing how they interact with the environment, there is a growing pressure on chemical manufacturers to evaluate how their products and processes impact public health. Manufacturers have to measure and evaluate how they release high volumes of emissions.
• Geographic location: Sometimes, the geographical location can cause many logistic as well as financial challenges to the company.
• Supplier relationships: Like other industries, the chemical industry also requires transparency in business practices. Supplier visibility ensures that there is knowledge about the raw products and the practices utilised by the supplier. Good supplier visibility helps to ensure that security requirements, environmental policies, and good manufacturing practice regulations are being adhered to.
• Trade complications: Trade agreements can disrupt company operations and many geopolitical events have an effect on foreign exchange.

ISO standards target the supply chain in a cohesive manner, helping to assess and mitigate various challenges across global processes. for more information read the ISO 27001 benefits article.

ISO standards for the chemical industry

The following ISO standards are beneficial for chemical industry:

ISO 9001 for chemical industry

ISO 9001 is an internationally recognised standard for quality management which outlines a framework and set of principles that enhance organisational management. This holistic approach to quality management satisfies both stakeholder and customer needs.

Additionally, this sensible approach to improving process efficiency helps to increase employee productivity and create high-quality goods and services. The Quality Management System (QMS) that is created because of the standard helps to put quality controls which facilitate a successful business. Hence, ISO 9001 is helpful in making your company stand out in the competitive marketplace. Additionally, ISO 9001 for small businesses is one of the best options.  

ISO 27001 for chemical industry

This is an internationally recognised standard for information security management. It provides a framework to organisations to build an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that boosts your data’s legal compliance, integrity, confidentiality, and availability. As a result, your information is protected from cyber attacks, vandalism, and fire. This is extremely beneficial for improving both client and stakeholder confidence. The format of the standard is such that it is compatible with ISO 9001, ISO 45001, and ISO 14001.

ISO 45001 for chemical industry

This is the international standard for occupational health and safety. It protects the employees, general public, and customers from injuries, accidents, diseases, and other fatalities from your job site by creating a robust Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS). The standard helps you identify and mitigate all harmful factors within your organisation, thereby keeping your personnel mentally and physically safe.

ISO 14001 for the chemical industry

This is an environmental management standard that outlines the principles to specify how to maintain an effective Environmental Management System (EMS). By certifying to the standard, you can appropriately identify opportunities to become more environmentally friendly.