Animal Protection
Evonik bears a high level of responsibility for the safety and quality of its products throughout their entire life cycle and for protecting people and the environment. To evaluate the safety of our products, we need toxicological and ecotoxicological data. Until now, animal studies have often been the only way to obtain reliable data on certain issues.
In a number of countries, legislation requires animal studies to be carried out to obtain data on chemical substances.
Evonik has such animal studies carried out exclusively by certified testing institutes in accordance with national and international legal requirements. Renowned test institutes are selected and audited for this purpose. In addition, our framework agreements oblige the test institutes to comply with the highest quality and animal protection standards.
COMMISSIONER FOR ANIMAL WELFARE
To meet its high responsibility for animal welfare, Evonik has established an Animal Welfare Officer. The Animal Welfare Officer has scientific training, reviews the relevant key data on animal studies collected in the Group and uses a forum to exchange information with the product stewardship functions on progress in the development and regulatory acceptance of alternative methods. It also coordinates the auditing of testing institutes (e.g., framework contract partners).
AVOID ANIMAL STUDIES
The aim is to reduce the number of laboratory animals as much as possible or to avoid animal studies altogether in the future. To avoid animal studies, Evonik draws on data that has already been published and uses alternative methods and approaches known as "New Approach Methodologies"(NAMs). In addition, joint studies of the same substance are conducted with other manufacturers.
Evonik actively promotes the development of alternative methods to animal studies. For example, the company is a member of the EPAA (European Partnership for Alternative Approaches to Animal Testing) and supports the SET (Stiftung zur Förderung von Ersatz- und Ergänzungsmethoden zur Einschränkung von Tierversuchen / Foundation for the Promotion of Alternative and Complementary Methods to Limit Animal Testing) foundation. Evonik is also involved in ecotoxicological and toxicological issues and methodological developments in the risk assessment of chemicals through its membership of ECETOC (European Centre of Ecotoxicology and Toxicology of Chemicals) and Cefic-LRI (Long Research Initiative).
Evonik acts according to the 3R concept*: Reduce-Refine-Replace.
* Source: Russell, W.M.S. and Burch, R.L., The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique. Methuen, London, 1959. Reprinted by UFAW, 1992: 8 Hamilton Close, South Mimms, Potters Bar, Herts EN6 3QD England. ISBN 0 900767 78 2