Responsibility in the way we source, supply and support
Responsible business is not separate from the way we work. It influences how we select and source materials, communicate product information, support customers and build relationships throughout the supply chain.
Our approach brings together environmental considerations, ethical relationships, regulatory awareness and practical product stewardship.
OUR APPROACH
Practical responsibility, supported by clear actions
We aim to make responsible decisions within the areas we can influence while being transparent about the limits of our role. Our approach is organised around three connected priorities: environmental responsibility, social responsibility and sound governance.
Environmental
We consider material efficiency, processing optimisation, responsible product selection and the environmental information available throughout the supply chain.
Social
We seek to build dependable, long-term relationships based on ethical expectations, open communication and respect for people throughout our operations and supply chain.
Governance
We support responsible decision-making through regulatory awareness, dependable documentation, appropriate supplier information and transparent communication.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Supporting better-informed material and processing decisions
Environmental considerations can influence material selection, formulation, processing efficiency and end-product performance. We work with customers and suppliers to explore practical opportunities that are appropriate for the application and supported by the available technical information.
This may include considering reduced-density solutions, improved processing efficiency, material alternatives and the responsible selection of additives and compounds. Any recommendation must also account for performance, safety, regulatory and commercial requirements.
- Material efficiency
Exploring opportunities to achieve the required performance while making efficient use of materials.
- Reduce-density solutions
Exploring opportunities to achieve the required performance while making efficient use of materials.
- Processing optimisation
Supporting conversations around fusion, melt strength, consistency, surface finish and manufacturing efficiency.
- Responsible product selection
Considering technical suitability, regulatory information, supply-chain requirements and the intended end use.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Responsible relationships across our business and supply chain
Our business depends on long-term relationships with customers, suppliers and other organisations throughout the chemical and plastics supply chain.
We aim to conduct those relationships professionally, communicate openly and treat people fairly. We also expect the organisations with which we work to respect applicable employment, human-rights and ethical-business requirements.
Long-term relationships
We value dependable customer and supplier relationships built through responsive communication, practical support and a clear understanding of shared requirements.
Ethical sourcing expectations
We seek to work with suppliers that can provide appropriate information about their operations, products and responsible-business practices.
Our assessment may include supplier declarations, regulatory documentation, management-system certificates and other information relevant to the product and supply arrangement.
Modern slavery and exploitation
R&P Developments opposes forced labour, human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery. We expect suppliers and business partners to conduct their operations lawfully and respect the rights and wellbeing of workers.
GOVERNANCE
Clear responsibilities and dependable information
Sound governance supports responsible product supply and better-informed customer decisions. We work to understand the responsibilities applicable to our activities and role within each supply arrangement.
Our approach includes maintaining appropriate product information, communicating with suppliers and customers, considering regulatory requirements and avoiding claims that cannot be properly supported.
UK REACH and GB CLP
As an importer and supplier of chemical products, R&P considers its role and responsibilities for each supply arrangement.
We seek relevant UK REACH coverage information and consider applicable classification, labelling, packaging and product-information requirements for materials placed on the Great Britain market.
EU REACH and EU CLP
Products supplied into the EU or EEA are considered separately from supplies into Great Britain.
We seek to establish the responsible EU-based importer or other regulatory arrangement and obtain relevant information concerning EU REACH coverage, classification, labelling and Safety Data Sheets.
Safety & technical documentation
We request relevant technical information, classification details and Safety Data Sheets from manufacturers and other parties within the supply chain.
Appropriate information is communicated to customers where applicable and available.
Transparent communication
We aim to communicate product capabilities, sourcing arrangements and regulatory information accurately and without overstating the evidence available.
Supplier documentation supports our review but does not automatically remove responsibilities that apply to R&P as an importer or supplier.
PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP
Supporting informed and responsible product use
Product stewardship means considering the information and responsibilities associated with a material throughout the supply chain.
We work to understand the products we supply, communicate relevant information and support customers in evaluating suitability for their applications. Final product selection and use must always take account of the customer’s own process, risk assessment, testing and end-use requirements.
Product information
Clear technical and application information can support product evaluation and better-informed material decisions.
Safety documentation
Relevant classification, handling and Safety Data Sheet information is communicated where applicable and available.
Application responsibility
Customers should assess and validate product suitability within their own formulations, processes, operating conditions and intended applications.
Standards and documentation across our supply chain.
Standards and documentation across our supply chain.
R&P Developments does not manufacture products in-house. We source specialist additives, compounds and materials from third-party manufacturers and supply them to customers in the UK and other markets.
Our supplier-assurance approach includes requesting and reviewing information relevant to the product, manufacturer and intended market.
SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT STANDARDS
Some of the manufacturers with which we work hold independently issued certification to recognised management-system standards.
Where certification is relevant, we seek to verify the standard, certified organisation, manufacturing location, certification body, validity and scope.
A supplier’s certification applies only to the organisation and activities stated on its certificate. It does not certify R&P Developments or automatically certify every product supplied.
INFORMATION WE REVIEW
- Supplier and manufacturing-site information
- Relevant ISO certificates and their scope
- Technical Data Sheets and Safety Data Sheets
- UK or EU REACH coverage information
- Classification, labelling and packaging information
- Current document versions and relevant updates
WIDER ENVIRONMENTAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Supporting environmental action beyond our day-to-day activities
Alongside the practical environmental considerations within our work, R&P Developments makes voluntary contributions to external organisations and projects.
These contributions form one part of our wider responsible-business approach. They do not mean that every product supplied by R&P has a reduced environmental impact, is certified by these organisations or is carbon neutral.
Rainforest Alliance
R&P Developments makes a recurring monthly donation to the Rainforest Alliance, supporting its wider work relating to forests, biodiversity and communities.
Our contribution is a charitable donation. It does not represent Rainforest Alliance certification, endorsement or partnership with R&P or the products we supply.
Ecologi
Through our Ecologi account, R&P Developments contributes towards tree planting, carbon removal and habitat restoration projects.
Our public impact profile provides an up-to-date record of the activity associated with these contributions. This support does not represent certification of R&P or the products we supply.
POLICIES AND DOCUMENTS
Further information and supporting documents
Responsible-business information should be clear, accessible and supported by appropriate documentation.
The documents below provide further information about our policies, management systems and approach.
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions
Modern Slavery and Ethical Sourcing Policy
Environmental Policy
Quality Policy
Supplier Code of Conduct
Product and Regulatory Documentation
Supplier Certificate Information
Contact Our Team
OUR CONTINUING APPROACH
Responsibility is an ongoing process
Responsible-business priorities, regulations and supply-chain expectations continue to develop. We review our approach as our business, customer requirements and available information evolve.
We aim to communicate progress accurately, improve the information available and focus on practical actions that are relevant to our role within the supply chain.
RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS ENQUIRIES
Would you like further information?
Contact our team if you require responsible-business information, product documentation, regulatory information or a copy of an available policy or certificate.