With the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, major industry players are releasing announcements regarding their stand on this topic. Discover how the industry plans to deal with this sensitive issue in this curated piece.
Business Suspension Across Russia
Clariant announced that it will suspend business with Russia in response to the Russian state’s intolerable acts of violence in Ukraine with immediate effect. Clariant’s operations in Russia include a sales office and a laboratory in Moscow and contribute approximately 2% to the company’s annual sales.
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We strongly oppose Russia's war against Ukraine and support the vote of the UN General Assembly that the Russian government must immediately stop the aggression, withdraw its troops, and abide by the rules of the UN Charter. Our thoughts are with our 146 employees and their families in Ukraine and we are doing everything in our power to support them. We join them in hoping that this brutal violence will end soon. Continuing to do business under these circumstances is incompatible with our purpose and values. Therefore, we have decided to suspend all business with Russia with immediate effect,” said Conrad Keijzer, Clariant’s chief executive officer.
BASF strongly condemns the attack on Ukraine. Since March 3, BASF does not conduct new business in Russia and Belarus.
“There is a war going on in Ukraine! The suffering for the civilian population in the country is immense,” said Martin Brudermüller, chairman of the board of executive directors of BASF. “
We want to help these people and therefore quickly decided to provide this emergency aid.”
Henkel announced to freeze future investments in Russia and stop all advertising in state-owned media and all sponsoring activities. For now, Henkel will continue to supply essential goods in Russia, for example household and personal hygiene products. The company will closely monitor the dynamic situation and decide on further measures.
“We share the shock about the war in Ukraine and stand behind the call of the global community on Russia to immediately withdraw its military forces from Ukraine. We hope that a diplomatic solution can still be found, and the fighting can be ended to avoid further suffering and a humanitarian crisis. Our highest priority in this situation is the safety of our colleagues in Ukraine, and we are doing everything possible to support them in this dramatic situation. We fully comply with all sanctions against Russia and its government and the financial sector. Beyond the sanctions, we will freeze all future investments in Russia, for example for site expansions. We have also stopped all advertising in state media and will cancel all sponsoring activities in Russia,” said Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel.
Kao will suspend export sales to Russia and advertising activities in Russia but will continue to sell products that can maintain a minimum hygienic life for children and women only.
Solvay has decided to suspend its operations and new investments in Russia. Further, Solvay will suspend dividend payments from Rusvinyl, an independent 50:50 joint venture in Russia.
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Solvay is deeply saddened by the loss of life and suffering in Ukraine”, said Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay.
“Our top priority has been the safety of our colleagues in Ukraine. We are taking action to support the ongoing humanitarian efforts to ease the suffering of those impacted by this crisis.”
Dr. Ilham Kadri continued, “
We stand behind all our employees, including our Ukrainian and Russian colleagues in such an unprecedented crisis, and will provide all the necessary support, including salaries and benefits. We thank them all for their continued dedication and resilience.”
Aid Offered by Companies
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Clariant has taken personal initiative to help its colleagues in Ukraine or to support aid organizations on the ground.
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BASF has provided €1 million in emergency aid. The amount will go immediately to the German Red Cross (GRC).
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Henkel launched a financial aid package of more than 1 million euros that contains for example financial emergency aid for each affected colleague, a financial donation to the International Red Cross, and paid time off for all volunteers who support refugees or aid organizations at the borders.
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Kao has donated 500,000 euros through UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency for humanitarian assistance to those affected in Ukraine. In addition to this, other items through Japanese industrial associations and other organizations help the people in the evacuation centers. Kao Group employees in Japan and overseas are making donations, to the UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations.
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The Solvay Solidarity Fund has donated €1 million to the Belgian and International Red Cross in support of relief efforts for the civilians impacted in Ukraine.
Source: Curated by SpecialChem