Responsible Care is a voluntary international environment, health and safety initiative of the chemical industry. The goal of the programme is to ensure activities, which comply with the guidelines of sustainable development in terms of the environment, health and safety. The companies participating in the programme are committed to improving their operations on a continuous basis so that issues related to the environment, safety and health receive due attention. Also, the companies are committed to developing their products and processes in a way that enhances the well-being of the society. The foundation of Responsible Care lies in stakeholder-level cooperation and openness.

The programme has achieved full acknowledgement by global forums. It has been cited as a good example of voluntary, results-generating work in numerous occasions. Already in the Rio Earth Summit 1992, the programme received attention. In 2002 the United Nation’s Environment Programme gave credit to the Responsible Care programme, acknowledging in its meeting held in Johannesburg that its activities support sustainable development.