Responsible Distribution ProcessSM

Celebrating Continuous Improvement! (Article on the history of RDP)

In more than 30 years of service to its members, NACD has placed the highest priority on the health, safety, and security of employees, communities, and the environment. In December 1991, the member companies of NACD undertook the most important mission ever contemplated in the history of the Association, the creation of and required compliance with the Responsible Distribution ProcessSM (RDP). This initiative was developed by NACD members for NACD members. RDP is separate and not a part of any other chemical industry code of management practice. It has taken guidance from various codes but has always remained independent and specific to the domestic and global needs of the chemical distributor.

RDP's credibility is unsurpassed by any other U.S. chemical industry initiative, largely because of its unique Third Party Verification, the first of its kind in the chemical industry. First, Document Verification of company RDP policies and procedures is required of Candidate Members in order to advance to Regular membership status. Second, on-site RDP Verification (RDPV) is required by all Regular Members and Chemical Handler Affiliates. RDPV verifies organizations' implementation of RDP policies and procedures via a facility visit and personnel interviews.

The return on the investment by NACD member companies to comply with RDP are shown in such measurable examples as low toxic emissions (see Membership and Performance Data); low worker injuries, fatalities, and lost work days; lower insurance premiums than non-NACD member companies; and better relations with suppliers, customers, regulators, legislators, and local communities.

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RDP Excellence Award – NACD’s RDP Committee presents the annual RDP Excellence Award for demonstrated outstanding performance of a company’s RDP program based on the findings of NACD’s two independent verification firms.

Wilson Industrial Sales Co., Inc., Brook, IN, was awarded NACD's 2009 RDP Excellence Award.  Wilson Industrial Sales, a member of the Association for 14 years, was recognized by NACD during the Association’s recent annual Operations Seminar and Trade Show in Cleveland, OH for demonstrating outstanding performance in its RDP program. Tom Wilson, founder and former president, was present to receive the award. The award was presented by James Benning, Vice Chairman of NACD’s RDP Committee and Director of Operations for Hubbard-Hall Inc.

Pochteca Materias Primas S.A. de C.V. of Mexico City, Mexico, was the recipient of NACD’s 2008 RDP Excellence Award. Pochteca Materias Primas, in only its first year of NACD membership, was recognized by NACD for demonstrating outstanding performance of its RDP program during its recent document verification and their on-site third-party verification in May. Francisco Espinosa, Pochteca’s Supply Chain Manager, received the award presented by David Binder, Chair of NACD’s RDP Committee, during NACD’s annual Operations Seminar and Trade Show in Orlando, FL.  

Pride Solvents & Chemical Co., of NJ, Inc., Avenel, New Jersey, was recognized as the 2007 award recipient. While the award was presented in Nashville at NACD’s 2007 Operations Seminar (OPSEM), company President Art Dhom, Jr. was called to the stage at the NACD Annual Meeting in November 2007 to be recognized for his company’s achievements. View Dhom’s remarks.

Americhem Sales Corporation of Mason, Michigan was the first recipient of NACD's  RDP Excellence Award in 2006.  Americhem Sales Corporation, a member of NACD since 1999, was recognized by NACD for demonstrating outstanding performance of its RDP program during its on-site third party verification. Bruce L. Whetter, President of Americhem Sales Corporation, was present to receive the award in Indianapolis, IN.