Ensuring safe and responsible products across their lifecycle
Sika ensures that its products are safe, compliant, and responsibly managed throughout their entire lifecycle. A key focus is responsible management of substances of concern, protecting people and the environment while meeting regulatory requirements and delivering high-performance, durable solutions for construction and industrial markets.
Managing substances of concern
Certain Sika products contain hazardous substances, including substances of concern (SOC) and substances of very high concern (SVHC), within legally permitted limits. These substances can be essential to achieve critical technical performance, such as durability, loadbearing strength, and long service life of buildings and infrastructure.
However, improper handling or use of such substances may pose risks to human health and the environment, as well as financial and regulatory risks. These include occupational exposure, accidental releases, evolving regulatory requirements, and reputational impacts.
Sika’s commitment
Sika is committed to minimizing risks and reducing hazardous substances wherever possible, while ensuring product performance and compliance. Key commitments include:
- Reducing hazardous substances through the Sika Substance Risk Management (SSRM) framework
- Ensuring product safety through clear instructions, Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and Product Data Sheets (PDSs)
- Compliance with chemicals regulations
- Continuous improvement of internal processes, product design, and customer guidance
- Regular training for employees, customers, and product users to ensure safe handling and application of products.
Sika Substance Risk Management (SSRM)
The SSRM framework is Sika’s global approach to identifying, assessing, and managing substances with elevated risk potential. Substances are evaluated based on hazard classification (Globally Harmonized System – GHS); exposure potential, environmental persistence; regulatory and reputational risks; and availability of safer alternatives. Based on this assessment, substances are categorized:
- Category 1: Substances which shall not be used above the concentration limits in any products sold (both manufactured and trading products), materials handled in manufacturing plants, or in the supply chain. Only substances used for R&D purposes are exempt.
- Category 2: Substances which may be used in controlled manufacturing processes if the defined concentration limits are not exceeded in the final product.
This risk-based approach goes beyond regulatory lists and supports safe innovation and responsible product development.
Reducing hazardous substances
As part of Strategy 2028, Sika has defined a reduction plan for selected hazardous substances, supported by a regularly updated priority list of “focus substances”. Actions include reformulation and substitution of hazardous ingredients; product and process innovation; supplier collaboration; gradual phase-out plans with short-, medium-, and long-term targets. Recent examples include the elimination of formaldehyde and the replacement of PFAS-containing products in specific applications.
Product design and innovation
Substance risk management is embedded in Sika’s global framework for product development called Product Creation Process (PCP). This ensures that substances of concern are reviewed early for substitution; safety, sustainability, and compliance are integrated at every development stage; and new products meet strict performance, environmental, and health standards before market launch.
The Sustainability Portfolio Management (SPM) framework further strengthens this approach by integrating assessments of chemical hazards, regulatory trends, and health and safety risks in all new product developments evaluations.
Links & Downloads
Product safety and transparency
Sika ensures that all chemical products are supported by up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDSs); clear labeling and packaging; and product safety instructions in local languages. SDSs are reviewed regularly and made accessible through local Sika websites.
Upstream value chain
Responsible substances management extends to the supply chain. Suppliers must comply with all applicable laws and meet Sika’s standards as defined in the Supplier Code of Conduct. Sika actively engages with its suppliers, as collaboration is essential to advancing safer and more sustainable solutions.
Suppliers are required to provide complete product safety and labeling documentation and comply with regulations related to hazardous substances and dangerous goods.
Sika works closely with suppliers to improve transparency on material composition, support reduction and phase-out plans for substances of concern, and identify safer alternatives. This includes specific engagement on substances such as PFAS, where regulatory requirements are evolving and supplier-provided information is essential. Through continuous collaboration, Sika supports the transition toward PFAS-free and lower-risk alternatives where feasible.