Sustainability is an integral value of the modern business and consumer world. Understandably, expectations have risen in recent years for how the chemical distribution industry addresses sustainability in its warehousing, transportation, storage, and related servicing of chemical products. Here at the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), we are rising to the challenge.
Chemical distributors are tackling the issue of sustainability with many different initiatives. Some NACD members are incorporating renewable energy into their usage mix while others are identifying opportunities to decrease energy and water usage, increase fleet fuel efficiency, or repurpose and minimize waste. Another proactive measure from chemical producers and distributors is the gradual substitution of bio-based alternatives for the traditional chemical portfolio.
One of the hallmarks of NACD is NACD Responsible Distribution®, our environmental, health, safety, and security (EHS&S) program. Through this program, all NACD members demonstrate their commitment to continuous performance improvement in every phase of chemical storage, handling, transportation, and disposal.
At its core, Responsible Distribution is about continuous improvement, and our industry’s EHS&S program is also improving. This year, NACD has incorporated a new Sustainability code into Responsible Distribution. This code is defined by categories that include corporate social responsibility; environment, water, and energy; recycling, re-packaging, reselling, re-using, and other waste minimization efforts; and other important sustainability measures. By combining all the sustainability specifications into one code – some new and many that were already included in previous Responsible Distribution program iterations — NACD is providing a framework for chemical distributors to catalogue what they have done so far and to consider other initiatives they may not yet have tackled.
We’ve noticed a trend of employees becoming much more conscious about working for firms that value sustainability and have the credentials to back it up. A survey by McKinsey of U.S. employees in April 2021 found that workers expect their jobs to bring a significant sense of purpose to their lives and indicates employers need to help meet this need or be prepared to lose talent to companies that will. McKinsey states, “People who live their purpose at work are more productive than people who don’t. They are also healthier, more resilient, and more likely to stay at the company.” Implementing sustainability practices helps ensure that the chemical distribution industry is attractive to new, skilled talent year after year.
The pursuit of sustainability is also a positive factor for business. Our industry’s efforts have already generated a significant return on investment. These efforts have reassured existing customers of our commitment to excellence and encouraged new customers to come on board. Our efforts will continue to bring opportunities and open new doors and partnerships.
NACD continues to tell the story of our industry and how we support critical industries like water treatment, food manufacturing, coatings, pharmaceuticals, and more. An entire industry coming together to develop more sustainable operations and add all those positive attributes to the conversation. Like the NACD Responsible Distribution® ethos of continuous improvement, the path to sustainability will be an ongoing and expanding one and no doubt different for every business. Reducing carbon footprints to conserve our planet; focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion for a more embracive workforce; upping your corporate responsibility practices for a more sustainable community; and so much more – makes sense for everyone, now and for future generations.
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