Dow

Following a merger with DuPont, the former Dow Chemical Company now operates under the name Dow Inc. The company is one of the largest producers of plastics in the world and the leading supplier of polyethylene (PE) resin. It is also known as the world’s largest producer of polyalkylene glycols and chlorine. Dow operates over 100 manufacturing sites in 31 countries.

Total score

11 / 48

Grade summary

Dow produces 63 SIN List substances (including six persistent chemicals), with 13 of these 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

2 / 18

Dow produces 63 SIN List substances, 13 of which are included on the REACH Candidate List, with three of them also found on the REACH Authorisation List. The company produces six persistent chemicals. Persistent chemicals are particularly problematic since they do not break down, but instead accumulate in humans and the environment. Because of this, persistent chemicals should be of extra concern for investors. Substances that are not considered a problem today could become huge liabilities in the future.

Development of Safer Chemicals

5 / 12

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

Management & Transparency

4 / 12

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