Responsible Distribution

Guiding Principles  | Code of Management Practice

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, a third-party verification program, 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.

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

Click here to download the Responsible Distribution brochure!

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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.

Tarr, LLC, Portland, OR was awarded the 2012 Responsible Distribution Excellence Award, on November 28, 2012.

In announcing the award, Andrew Skipp, NACD's Chairman and President/CEO of Hubbard-Hall Inc. said, "NACD is proud to recognize Tarr, LLC as the 7th recipient of this prestigious award. Tarr embodies excellent performance in EHS&S in the chemical distribution industry and truly represents NACD well in these challenging times. They exemplify the high standards required by Responsible Distribution."

In accepting the award, Skip Tarr, President of Tarr, LLC commented, "Considering the quality of the NACD membership it’s a high honor to be considered amongst the best. The employees at Tarr, LLC for years have embraced the guiding principles of Responsible Distribution. They’re committed to doing their part to maintain a safe work environment and protect the communities in which they live. This award is further acknowledgment of their efforts. I am very appreciative that NACD has singled out Tarr, LLC to receive the Responsible Distribution Excellence Award!”

Previous Responsible Distribution Excellence Award Winners:

2011:  G.S. Robins & Company, St. Louis, MO
2010:  Brenntag North America, Inc., Reading, PA
2009:  Wilson Industrial Sales Co., Inc., Brook, IN
2008:  Pochteca Materias Primas S.A. de C.V. of Mexico City, Mexico
2007:  Pride Solvents & Chemical Co., of NJ, Inc., Avenel, NJ
2006:  Americhem Sales Corporation of Mason, MI