For development to be sustainable it must integrate environmental stewardship, economic development and the well-being of all people-not just for today but for countless generations to come. This is the challenge facing governments, non-governmental organizations, private enterprises, communities and individuals.

Sustainable development therefore means excellent performance in three areas:

• environmental protection, health and safety,
• social responsibility,
• long-term viability.

Talc production has been an important commercial activity in Europe for over a hundred years and has contributed economically and socially to the local communities where the producers operate. Talc’s technical and environmental advantages make it a commercially viable product in the long term. It will continue to create value for local economies and to contribute to building a sustainable future for the global talc industry and for us all.

The talc industry in Europe plays an active role in the creation and maintenance of the European Union Sustainable Development Indicators (SDI) Voluntary Reporting Scheme for the Non-Energy Extractive Industry. website