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Long
before terms like "environmental protection" and "ecology"
took on their present meaning, Bayer made a commitment to social
responsibility: 100 years ago Bayer set up a Wastewater Commission
and thus became one of the first groups to introduce environmental
protection in its plants. That step exemplified the foresightedness
of our company, and today our commitment to social responsibility
continues. Economic, ecological and social responsibility is a matter
of course to us because we are aware that everything that we do
as a company entails a responsibility to future generations. Our
aim and obligation, therefore, is to utilize resources in a sustainable
and foresighted manner to ensure that future generations have sufficient
resources to shape their own lives. This is fully in keeping with
the philosophy of sustainable development that has gained worldwide
credence. Sustainability
means more than commercial performance. Indeed, there is a recognized
link between commercial performance and ecological responsibility.
Since 1986 we have incorporated in policy guidelines that are binding
on all our employees throughout the world these principles: "Comprehensive
environmental protection, maximum safety, high product quality and
optimum commercial efficiency are factors of equal importance for
achieving our corporate objectives." These days, it is not
enough to market good products at competitive prices. We must also
bring economy and ecology into harmony with one another. Not only
do we want to achieve technological and economic leadership in the
areas in which we are active, we also aim to set standards in environmental
and health protection, safety and social commitment. Sustainable
development is synonymous with sustainable success. Our future activities
will therefore not be measured solely by short-term actions and
profits; it will also be measured by our foresighted commitment
to ecological and social principles, without which long-term, profit-oriented
development will not be possible. We are aware that our future success
depends on our ability to market products that meet the expectations
of both our customers and society as a whole. Our aim, therefore,
is to manufacture products that create value for the company and
have a public value. These products must benefit a large number
of people and improve the quality of life, while conserving resources
and minimizing the environmental impact of our operations. We are
convinced that the commitment to such products will give us a competitive
edge in the long term. The withdrawal of our cholesterol-lowering drug Lipobay®/Baycol® in August 2001 is an example of how seriously we take product stewardship. This decision was taken in the interest of patient safety throughout the world, even though it has serious financial implications for us. Here we acted according to the principle laid down in our guidelines: "If based on scientific evidence it becomes necessary to avert a potential health or environmental hazard, Bayer will promptly inform customers and the public and take appropriate action up to and including production curtailment." The implementation of sustainable development to protect the environment and maintain social equilibrium is not merely a national objective but a global one. We are approaching this task in word and deed. That is why, for example, Bayer is a member of the World Business Council of Sustainable Development. We also support the Global Compact initiated by UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan by participating in a wide range of projects. As well as providing future-oriented jobs in our company, we are committed to fighting poverty, supporting human rights, and to the fight against child labor, racial discrimination and a range of other problems. Such projects are emblematic of our ongoing commitment to society, a commitment that has long been an integral part of our corporate philosophy. As
a company, we are part of society. We therefore regard frank and
open dialog - with our employees, the communities around our worldwide
facilities and our shareholders and stakeholders - as particularly
important. Dialog with critics also plays a key role. We do not
agree to all their demands and expectations. But we do listen to
them and take a critical look at their views. Our new Sustainable
Development Report is evidence of our readiness to engage in dialog.
It includes comments from a range of social groups on what they
expect from Bayer. We take their expectations very seriously and
will include them in our considerations.
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