Responsible Distribution

Celebrating Continuous Improvement!
(Article on the history of NACD's Responsible Distribution)

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 process. This initiative was developed by NACD members for NACD members. Responsible Distribution 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.

A member-voted condition of membership in the Association is a signed commitment to Responsible Distribution, which requires members to continuously improve performance in the environment, health, safety, and security. NACD members play a leadership role in their communities as information resources and are eager to provide the same assistance and guidance to local, state, and federal legislators on technical issues relating to the safe handling, storage, transportation, use, and disposal of chemical products.

Responsible Distribution'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 Responsible Distribution policies and procedures is required of Candidate Members in order to advance to Regular membership status. Second, on-site Responsible Distribution Verification is required by all Regular Members and Chemical Handler Affiliates. Responsible Distribution verifies organizations' implementation of Responsible Distribution policies and procedures via a facility visit and personnel interviews.

The return on the investment by NACD member companies to comply with Responsible Distributionare shown in such measurable examples as low toxic emissions (see Membership and Safety); 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.

Click here to download the Responsible Distribution brochure!

Click here for How to Develop a Crisis Communications Plan!

Responsible Distribution Excellence Award

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

G.S. Robins & Company, St. Louis, MO was awarded the 2011 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award, on August 24, 2011.

In announcing the award, Andrew Skipp, NACD's Chairman of the Board and President & CEO of Hubbard-Hall Inc. said, "NACD is proud to recognize G.S. Robins & Company as the 6th recipient of this award. Now part of the Brenntag organization, their commitment to process improvement, their involvement in the local community, and the education of their employees has certainly not gone unnoticed."

In accepting the award, Operations Manager, Bryant Buescher commented, "The employees of G.S. Robins & Company are honored to be the 2011 Recipient of the NACD's Responsible Distribution Excellence Award. Our company has gone through a major transformation over the past few years and our employees, along with our senior management, were dedicated to the implementation process of the 12 Responsible Distribution Codes. The commitment to reach and exceed these standards did not come without a lot of hard work and the efforts of many. The guiding principles defined by the Responsible Distribution Codes, not only allowed for us to succeed, but to also show our commitment to these goals to our customers, suppliers and community."

Previous Responsible Distribution Excellence Award winners:

Brenntag North America, Inc., Reading, PA:  2010 recipient

Wilson Industrial Sales Co., Inc., Brook, IN:  2009 recipient

Pochteca Materias Primas S.A. de C.V. of Mexico City, Mexico:  2008 recipient

Pride Solvents & Chemical Co., of NJ, Inc., Avenel, NJ:  2007 recipient

Americhem Sales Corporation of Mason, MI:  2006 recipient