The last century was a landmark era for the human race. Countless developments in the field of science and technology helped us create a world that is a relatively comfortable and easier to live in. Medical breakthroughs increased life expectancies and gave us the expertise to cure or eradicate certain diseases; for example, in 1979, smallpox was eradicated from the world. Technological advancements helped us devise mechanisms that has made our work more efficient - conveyor belts have made assembly lines possible, robots have fastened processes. Improvements in agricultural practices have helped increase yields in many crops; thereby, augmenting the potential to support the population boom. However, unfortunately, this rapid industrialization has led to some setbacks on the ecological front. Rapid deforestation has led to floods and reduction in ground water levels, conversion of forest areas into low-grade farms have created wastelands, and rise in pollution levels has made global warming a worldwide concern.
Soon, countries around the globe began to feel the need to work together in order to adopt practices that would make development a sustainable process. This eventually led to the creation of the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1983. The commission was asked to conceive long-term strategies for environmental protection and seek international cooperation to make sustainability an inherent part of the DNA of organizations.
In one of its reports, the commission noted that ‘multinational companies can play an important role in sustainable development, especially as developing countries come to rely more on foreign equity capital.' Quite understandably, large organisations with their roots in the western world remained the torchbearers in adopting sustainable practices.
As awareness levels about sustainability and environmental protection grew, consumers increasingly began seeking brands that they believed were eco-friendly, thereby; pushing the envelope for sustainability to be perceived positively. Companies endeavored to introduce sustainable practices throughout their supply chains; thereby creating products that were more sustainable than the ones a few decades ago. Being an integral part of various sectors including manufacturing and agriculture, the chemical industry has had the added responsibility of adopting sustainable practices and embedding them in its supply chain.
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