Sustainable development

We at Dow believe it is our mission to constantly contribute in areas that are critical to long-term sustainability and that chemists can lead in developing the technological dimension of sustainable growth. We will ask you to join us in exploring possible ways of managing these resources more efficiently.

Smart use of Resources


Welcome to Practice Makes Progress - The Smart use of Resources. This website is dedicated to the discussion about sustainable growth and the role of the chemical industry, with a focus on the sustainable use of natural resources.


Dow started this process of thinking in September 2005, with our 50 years anniversary in the Benelux. Sustainability is about what we are doing today and what we have achieved in the past. When looking back at 50 year Dow history, we found that through the years our daily practice has brought us solutions and innovations that enabled us to deal with natural resources in a more efficient and therefore in a more sustainable manner.

With this experience we intend to contribute to the current situation in which the global economy is very dependent on natural resources that include vast amount of non renewables. Earlier this year the United Nations warned that our eco systems are over exploited, which has a huge impact on global climate. We think that this situation must be addressed by those who can influence it.

  

Gerard van Harten

Chairman of Dow Benelux
"Industry and government should join effort more emphatically again. Together we can provide an additional boost to innovation and economic development considering the importance of our products for other industry sectors."

Mindmapping the future

In September 2005, we started Practice Makes Progress with an international symposium held in Rotterdam. Please be inspired by the findings in the Mind Map session. Dow will continuously be in discussion about the use of natural resources and the role of industry. The chemical industry is an integral part of your community, of the world community and we are part of the solution to the challenges and opportunities ahead.