BUSINESSES SHOULD SUPPORT A PRECAUTIONARY APPROACH TO ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES.

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What can companies do?

Companies can support a precautionary approach by communicating potential risks for the consumer and providing complete information on risks to the consumer and the public. Supporting the precautionary approach includes obtaining prior approval before certain products, deemed to be potentially hazardous, are placed on the market.

Steps that a company could take in the application of this approach include the following:

• Develop a code of conduct or practice for its operations and products that confirms commitment to care for health and the environment
• Develop a company guideline on the consistent application of the approach throughout the company
• Create a managerial committee or steering group that oversees the company application of precaution, in particular risk management in sensitive issue areas
• Establish two-way communication with stakeholders, in a pro-active, early stage and transparent manner, to ensure effective communication of information about uncertainties and potential risks
• and to deal with related enquiries and complaints. Use mechanisms such as multi-stakeholder meetings, workshop discussions, focus groups, public polls combined with use of website and printed media
• Support scientific research, including independent and public research, on related issues, and work with national and international institutions concerned
• Join industry-wide collaborative efforts to share knowledge and deal with the issue of precaution, in particular in regards to production processes and products around which high level of uncertainty, potential harm and sensitivity exist

(Source: Principle 7)