In June of 2000, the Chemical Manufacturers Association changed its name to the American Chemistry Council (ACC). With a new name, and an environmentally-conscious vision, the 128 year-old international association is in the midst of a makeover.

The chemical industry makes up a sizeable chunk of the American economy $435 billion worth. But the industry itself has also been the target of much environmental criticism and controversy. It should come as no surprise that the American Chemistry Council (ACC), which has been a representative of many leading chemical manufacturing companies including Exxon, General Electric Plastics and Eastman Kodak, has caught some of the flack. However, the association has been constructive in the face of opposition. Its most recent effort is to develop programs that promote chemical education and member responsibility.

Romelda Guglielmo, executive assistant to the vice president of member relations, says the ACC’s vision is to make “a better, healthier and safer world through chemistry.” As a result, Responsible Care, a program formed in 1988, serves as a supportive liaison between the association and its members. This program helps companies to “improve their health, safety and environmental performance; listen and respond to public concerns; assist each other to achieve optimum performance; and report their goals and progress to the public.” Under the direction of this program, chemical manufacturers perform self-evaluations, set performance goals and take input from each other in regards to environmentally sound management practices. By doing so, chemical manufacturers are showing a continuous responsibility and concern for a safe environment.

Research Initiative is another program instituted by the ACC for the benefit of members and the public. With this program, the ACC has enlisted the aid of the Chemical Industry Institute of Toxicology, which, acting as an independent agency, conducts research into the uncertain effects some chemicals may have on the environment and the health of humans and wildlife. All of the Institute’s findings are made public.

The third program the ACC has developed is called Good Chemistry. To combat the chemical industry’s “poor self-image”, this initiative builds upon the fact that education is the opposite of fear. “People don’t know a lot about what we do,” Guglielmo comments. This program strives not only to change that fact but also to heighten public awareness of the chemical industry at large. In addition, it also promotes the importance of internal member education. Taking current negative connotations away from the word ‘chemical’ will not be easy, but the Good Chemistry program is attempting to do just that.

Chemical manufacturers are often faced with challenging environmental issues but the ACC is making it possible for this industry to thrive while educating the public. By taking an initiative in the area of environmental research and education, the ACC shows that a fair middle ground can be reached between its member companies and the public it serves. Far from evading the issue of environmental safety and health, it has instead implemented programs to research potential hazards to the public and the environment and educate all concerned parties.

For more information, please visit the American Chemistry Council website at: http://www.cmahq.com/