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Driving Responsible Distribution: The Vital Role of Code Coordinators

NACD’s Responsible Distribution program is essential to a responsible chemical distribution supply chain, giving members the framework needed to uphold the highest standards of environmental, health, safety, security, and sustainability performance. With this year’s launch of our new Responsible Distribution 2023 program updates, businesses are now tasked with incorporating these new requirements into their business planning.

Thankfully, member companies have code coordinators to help them navigate the program’s responsibility and sustainability standards. Staying on top of this new guidance requires quick learning and fast thinking. These tasks may seem overwhelming, but code coordinators have the organizational skills to evaluate resources, communicate with employees and management, and implement changes to improve workplace safety and ensure company compliance. Just ask Jaime Strauch, Pride Chemical Solutions’ Code Coordinator. Strauch began her role 13 years ago, welcoming the challenge of keeping up with the changing codes over the years. Since then, she has diligently worked to make sure Pride Chemical Solutions stays up to date with the latest Responsible Distribution codes.

“I know them all – Responsible Distribution is always in the back of my mind, and I’ve been through a few of the verifications,” says Strauch. “I work with the teams, and we know what to look for as we prepare for the next verification. I often do spot checks. I walk through the warehouse to make sure certificates are up to date – that’s the kind of thing I check.”

Of course, Strauch cannot do the work of code coordination alone. It requires coordination with her entire team, buy-in from senior management, and collaboration with different organizations, like NACD, to ensure that Pride Chemical Solutions complies with new requirements through every verification check.

“We are in the first year of the new program and just getting oriented with the latest requirements,” says Strauch. “I plan to reach out to NACD and other members for guidance in the coming months.”

Responsible Distribution 2023 provides guidance on issues like sustainability, which has become a crucial part of chemical distribution. Across the industry, customers, suppliers, and communities are interested in what our industry is doing in this space. Strauch says that “customers have been asking questions about sustainability,” and that incorporating Responsible Distribution’s new sustainability codes has been top of mind for her.

NACD offers numerous resources to help code coordinators stay up to date with the latest in Responsible Distribution, including the “Starter Kit,” which provides companies with a comprehensive set of over 70 example documents – 19 of which focus on the new sustainability code – that can be tailored to each firm’s specific regulatory needs. In addition, NACD provides Gap Assessment tools, manuals, comparison guides, and even online trainings through NACD U, which are all important devices in code coordinators’ toolboxes. 

Even though code coordination can be a tough job, Strauch knows the results are worth the effort. “With the verification every three years, it means you have good practices in place, and your customers can trust you are not cutting corners,” says Strauch. “Some of the larger customers want to come and audit you, but as soon as they see the Responsible Distribution certificate, that is enough for them.”

To find NACD’s code coordinator handbook and additional resources for our new Responsible Distribution program, click here.

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