Polaroid s 1977 policy statement on the environment established lasting values and principles that have been reflected in every policy developed since then. Paramount among them are individual and corporate responsibility, strict standards for environmental performance, source reduction, recycling and resource conservation. The newly developed Product Stewardship Policy, signed by Polaroid s CEO and scheduled for companywide dissemination in 1998, clearly establishes the roles and responsibilities of business unit managers in ensuring that Polaroid meets its environmental commitments. Please comment on the scope of applicability.
All environmental policies are worldwide in scope to the extent appropriate and possible.
Environmental performance is monitored equally at all locations around the world, and all sites are encouraged to exceed local standards for environmental compliance. Where preferred technologies for waste management are not available, Polaroid facilities are encouraged to use the best available alternative technology. The Product Stewardship Policy, drafted in 1997 for 1998 implementation, clarifies the primary responsibility of product managers for all major aspects of health, safety and environmental stewardship, stressing not only compliance issues, but also the link between environmental concerns and more traditional business issues, such as cost and competitiveness. In addition, many Polaroid policies and guidelines related to health, safety and the environment set standards that far exceed regulatory limits. For example, company guidelines for worker exposure to potentially hazardous materials are far more restrictive than industry norms 14.