On May 29, 2023, the annual AICM Open-to-Public Day (OTP) was officially launched in Shanghai, with the theme of “Chemistry Enables a Sustainable Future”.

Mr. Nicolas Poirot, AICM Chairman, and President & CEO of Air Liquide Greater China; Mr. Li Lei, AICM Vice Chairman, and Vice President and Regional Head of SABIC, North Asia; Ms. Julie Zhang, -AICM Vice Chairwoman, and President of Greater China, Arkema; Mr. Andy Walti, AICM Board Director, and Vice President and Head of Region China and APAC, Clariant; Dr. Jeffrey Lou, AICM Board Director, and President and Chairman of Greater China, BASF, attended the launch ceremony and unveiled the theme of the 2023 “Open to Public” Day campaign - "Chemistry Enables a Sustainable Future".

Open-to-Public Day is not only an important program of AICM, but also a bridge connecting AICM member companies with the public. With support of its member companies, AICM promotes and implements Responsible Care® and organizes a series of Open-to-Public Day events annually to enhance communications between the chemical industry and the public, which have provided more and more people with opportunities to experience the beauty of chemistry.

Since its initial launch in 2009, Open-to-Public Day has been held for 15 consecutive years without any stop, even during the pandemic. The themes of the OTP campaign cover a wide range of areas, extending from the initial promotion of Responsible Care® to this year's advocacy for a sustainable future. Each year has a different theme, such as:

- Chemistry Enables a Sustainable Future

- Chemical Innovation Drives Sustainability

- Together for Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality

- Chemistry’s Continbutions to People’s Health

- Innovative Chemistry, Smart Life

- Responsible Care

- Circular Economy

During the ceremony, the 2022 OTP Best Practice Awards were granted to 18 member companies to recognize their contribution and achievements in promoting Responsible Care® and social responsibilities, and thank them for being role models for serving the public. In a period of 5 months, 18 companies organized their Open-to-Public Day activities. Mainly in five categories (in no particular order):

“Grow with Community” Award

Eastman, Evonik, Huntsman, Methanex, PPG

“Happy Family Day” Award

Arkema, Lanxess, Nouryon

“Promote Carbon Neutrality” Award

Air Liquide, Arlanxeo

“Care for Next Generation” Award

BASF, Covestro, Dow, SABIC, Solvay

“Wonderful time in Chem Park” Award

Celanese, DIC, LG Chem

"The Open-to-Public Day is a program voluntarily initiated by AICM and its members and has been widely recognized by the chemical industry globally. It enables us to share industry best practices, build credibility and effectively enhance a positive social image of the industry." Mr. Walt pointed out during his closing remarks at the ceremony.

"We look forward to working closely with all parties to continue to promote and practice Responsible Care® in China and explore the path of sustainable development for the chemical industry. We firmly believe that such results will benefit the entire chemical industry, and ultimately all of society.” Mr. Walti said, "We trust and call for more enterprises to participate in the Open-to-Public Day initiative and activities in the future."