SABIC

Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) is Asia’s largest chemical producer and manufactures chemicals and steel. More specifically, the company produces methanol, ethylene, propylene, benzene, toluene, xylene, industrial gases, thermoplastic resins, polyester, melamine, urea fertilisers, and steel products.

Total score

12 / 48

Grade summary

SABIC produces 23 SIN List substances (including one persistent chemical), with four 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

3 / 18

SABIC produces 23 SIN List substances, four of which are included on the REACH Candidate List, with two of them also found on the REACH Authorisation List. The Saudi company produces one persistent chemical. 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

SABIC 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 exclude substances with toxic properties from its new products or follow the principles of green chemistry. It does, however, make use of the GreenScreen assessment tool and actively markets safer alternatives on its website.

Management & Transparency

4 / 12

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