Evonik’s Borger, Texas, Carbon Black Plant Receives RC14001 Designation

Evonik Degussa Corporation’s Borger, Texas, site – which makes carbon black, an ingredient used in tires and rubber goods as well as ink, plastic and other applications - has received the American Chemistry Council’s Responsible Care® RC14001 certification which covers performance in environmental quality, workplace health and safety, plant security and community outreach.

The plant received the designation after a rigorous series of audits by UL DQS Inc. of Buffalo Grove, Ill., an independent, third party firm. UL DQS auditors examined the plant's management systems and related quality controls in performance areas such as employee health and safety, pollution prevention, manufacturing process safety, security, distribution safety, product stewardship, community awareness and emergency response.

In its report, UL DQS praised Evonik operations in Borger, noting that the facility has had no lost time accidents for a decade and no recordable accidents for more than 3 ½ years. Stated UL DQS auditors: “Evidence indicates that the company is continually improving operations and generally accomplishing objectives. Other quality and environmental objectives are also improving. Customer complaints have been addressed and appear infrequently.”

Evonik always has been dedicated to running its operations in a manner that protects the environment and the health and safety of the company's employees, said Jack L. Clem, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Evonik’s Global Carbon Black Business. “Evonik is committed to both corporate and social responsibility," Clem said. "We firmly believe achieving RC14001 certification and having independently verified systems in place that deliver environmental, health and safety benefits distinguish Evonik as an excellent producer of carbon black."

Passing a third-party audit demonstrates Evonik’s commitment to safety and the ability of the Borger plant to operate our facility in a secure manner, said Steve Hubertus, Evonik plant manager.


"This is a major achievement for each and every employee at our Borger site," said Hubertus. "Our employees have proven that we have what it takes to earn this world-class certification.”

Hubertus added that members of the Borger community and Evonik’s global customers increasingly want to know that companies like Evonik not only can produce high quality products, but can do so in a safe, secure and environmentally sound manner. “This comprehensive RC14001 certification provides that proof," he added.

Evonik’s Borger facility has always been a trendsetter in the industry. Four years ago, it became one of the first carbon black plants in North America to successfully demonstrate compliance to the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) 14001:2004 Environmental Standard.

For additional information about Evonik in North America, please visit our website: www.evonik.com/north-america.