A training program aimed at raising sustainability standards of chemical suppliers has been launched in Shanghai to put to an end a widespread belief that chemical industry does not care about environment.

"There is some misunderstanding about chemical industry," said Johnny Kwan, senior vice-president of country platform and functions, BASF Greater China.

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"As a matter of fact, quite a few chemical companies are trying to deal with the sustainable issue better, but they just don't know how," added Kwan.

The training program, jointly established by BASF and East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST), on Monday, will teach suppliers of the German chemical giant how to better balance production and sustainability development by raising their awareness and action.

About 2,000 suppliers will take part in the structured training over the next five years, which includes key topics such as environmental protection, health and safety, labor, and human rights, as well as governance and management.

"By combining our resources with ECUST, we can better support the efforts of Chinese chemical companies to improve their capabilities and achieve world-class sustainability standards," said Fried Muenstermann, president of BASF's Global Procurement.