What people say about VECAP

The EOC group will certainly benefit from VECAP, which will ensure that everyone who is working with flame retardant inishing will receive the most updated information on Deca-BDE and the flame retardant compound. Moreover it will strenghten the EOC group's environmental philosophy on emission management and process improvement.

Had VECAP been a regulatory measure, with overall UK emission reductions of 75% in its first year, it would have been hailed as a major success. That it was achieved as an industry voluntary commitment means that this level of environmental protection was attained far faster and with great savings. We look forward to the next year's developments.

It is clear from the enthusiasm and commitment which our members have shown in implementing the VECAP process that this is a simple and practical scheme which can provide immediate and significant benefits.

Ford Motor Company supports the objectives of this voluntary initiative to further minimise brominated flame retardant environmental emissions. Based on pan-regional rollout of VECAP, application of the program to Ford's affected supply base would be encouraged.

I welcome this voluntary industry programme to reduce emissions of the flame retardant Deca-BDE to the environment. DG Enterprise supports voluntary industry action where this can result in environmental improvement hand in hand with economic development.

Such an initiative deserves to be copied by other industry sectors with other substances. It is in line with the REACH intention that industry must take responsibility to go for the best emission control.

VECAP is an example of how voluntary initiatives can respond to concerns without the need for strict regulatory measures.

Proceeding with a voluntary undertaking like VECAP allows a continued use of a chemical substance when, for example, there are concerns about its harmfulness, but it is nonetheless considered essential to society. We hope that this undertaking will continue to go forward smoothly, with the understanding of the concerned business entities.

The principles underlying VECAP may be applicable to the handling of other chemicals and Cefic is committed to increasing industry's awareness of this programme. At a time when the chemical industry and its supply chain are preparing for REACH, VECAP is an example of how cooperation throughout the value chain can be enhanced for the benefit of the environment.

Euratex not only supports VECAP but we are strongly committed to its implementation. The textiles industry relies on flame retardant chemicals to comply with European fire safety standards. VECAP enables textiles sector users of flame retardants to identify where they can act to reduce emissions.

Fedustria supports the Belgian textile industry members to optimize their processes in order to fulfil technical requirements and respect environmental demands. The VECAP system is creating awareness of the involved issues and at the same time stimulates innovative development and implementation of practical solutions.

As a regulator, we can only but support proactive industry initiatives such as VECAP which are already demonstrating their effectiveness in managing chemicals throughout the manufacturing processes. Moreover, we believe VECAP's philosophy of adequate control throughout the supply chain will help businesses to adjust to the new REACH regulatory environment.

VECAP is a good example of effective cooperation throughout the whole supply chain. In line with GM's commitment to environmental excellence, the programme ensures that the chemicals included in our products are safely managed.

VECAP is a great example of how chemicals need to be managed in the 21st Century, true producer responsibility.

VECAP has prepared the ground for REACH implementation showing advance practice by engaging with companies and working jointly throughout the supply chain towards adequate control.