Bayer

Bayer produces and markets healthcare and agricultural products. In 2018, the German conglomerate bought the agribusiness giant Monsanto. Bayer manufactures products that include pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and animal health products, as well as crop protection products, plastics, and polyurethanes.

Total score

14 / 48

Grade summary

Bayer produces nine SIN List substances (including two persistent chemicals), five of which are officially recognised as chemicals of high concern by the EU. The company has a method in place to screen and assess the sustainability of…

Product Portfolio

6 / 18

Bayer produces nine SIN List substances, five of which are included on the REACH Candidate List and one of which is also found on the REACH Authorisation List. The German company produces two persistent chemicals. Persistent chemicals are particularly problematic since they do not break down, but instead accumulate in humans and/or the environment. Because of this, persistent chemicals should be of extra concern for investors. Substances which are not considered a problem today could become huge liabilities in the future.

Development of Safer Chemicals

3 / 12

Bayer has a method in place to screen and assess the sustainability of its products and includes intrinsic hazards of ingredients in the screening process. The company does not make use of the GreenScreen assessment tool nor does it exclude substances with toxic properties from new products. The company does not follow the principles of green chemistry or market safer alternatives on its website.

Management & Transparency

5 / 12

The German company shares chemical safety information on its website but does not have a phase-out strategy for hazardous substances. Bayer is a member of Responsible Care and follows voluntary standards such as a Code of Conduct and a Supplier Code of Conduct.