May 25 2016
Pioneering move includes an ethical and moral code in the early stages of R&D and innovation
ELIX Polymers has launched a new process of product development and innovation based on criteria of responsible innovation. The move forms part of the innovation strategy initiated by the specialty ABS producer several years ago.
The development process now includes an assessment of the values considered key in ELIX Polymers’ innovation department, such as sustainability, environmental protection and health issues. These values are analyzed using criteria of ethical and moral responsibility.
The company assesses the impact a new material may have on the various players involved during its lifetime. The assessment takes into account the benefits and harm that a particular new development can generate so that the company can select the most sustainable scenario.
Antonio Prunera, Head of Quality & Business Development at ELIX Polymers
ELIX Polymers uses a methodology called Value Sensitive Design (VSD) during the initial steps of its design process for new developments. Already used in other fields of development, VSD allows a systematic evaluation of responsible innovation of new developments by the innovation and development team. VSD is a theoretically grounded approach to the design of technology that accounts for human values in a principled manner. The same values are also promoted by Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) guidelines for sustainability reporting.
The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a non-profit independent standards organization that produces guidelines for sustainability reporting. The guidelines help organizations identify major impacts that their operations have on the environment, society and the economy, helping them to measure and align their processes. More information on the GRI can be found at: https://www.globalreporting.org.
The inclusion of Responsible Innovation criteria was a logical step in our policy of new product development. The impact of our products needed revision from the point of view of ethics and morals. We are responsible for what we create. This is our chance to create something better for the environment and for people. Value Sensitive Design allows us to select the best choice among the various options presented to us.
Antonio Prunera