Start your car or flip on a light switch, and everyone thinks “energy.” It’s equally important to U.S. chemical manufacturing. From the industry’s earliest days, chemistry companies have used energy for heat and power and – unique among manufacturers – as a raw material. Hence the name “petrochemicals.” This week, the American Chemistry Council released […]
Policymakers are struggling to find solutions to address one of the biggest threats that our country has ever faced – the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is another threat to America’s safety and security that Washington must address too. Thankfully, the solution for addressing this crisis is readily available. It simply requires Congress to pass legislation […]
This is a time of unprecedented anxiety and uncertainty, with far more questions about the Coronavirus than there are answers. One point of certainty, however, is the ability of antimicrobial disinfectants to help kill and stop the spread of viruses like COVID-19. In fact, there are more than a thousand products that people can use […]
With COVID-19 continuing to spread throughout the country, ACC is helping combat the disease by leaning into our wheelhouse – chemistry. Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter filled up her trunk with bleach to distribute throughout her district. Early on in the pandemic, grocery store shelves where disinfectants were located became empty as shoppers quickly snapped […]
It’s said on virtually every conference call or Zoom meeting. “I’d much prefer to be able to meet you all face to face.” For participants in this week’s Responsible Care® & Sustainability Conference, American Chemistry Council CEO Chris Jahn’s opening remarks rang especially true. The decision to move the chemical industry’s annual environmental, health and […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the daily lives of Americans. In our own industry many essential workers are working around the clock. Some are staying on site for extended periods of time to ramp up production of personal protective equipment, disinfectants, parts for vital medical equipment, and more. Others are doing their part by social […]
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, while many of us are working from home, many American workers who are part of “essential” industries continue to go to their place of work. Hospital and healthcare workers are the most obvious examples, but this list includes those who work in food production and grocery stores, delivery […]
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) is now accepting applications for the prestigious Polyurethane Innovation Award. This award recognizes companies and individuals who have brought new innovative, life-enhancing products, technologies, and initiatives to the marketplace. The deadline for submitting applications is June 15, 2020. “Bringing innovative products and technologies to market is no easy […]
On this Earth Day, the U.S. business of chemistry is more committed than ever to protecting our planet. Did you know that efforts to preserve the environment—our air, water, land and climate—are made possible in large part thanks to the innovative products of chemistry? America’s chemical makers create technologies that empower Americans and American businesses […]
The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) today released a Canadian version of its online chemical health and safety training program designed to provide information regarding safe use, handling and disposal of high-pressure spray polyurethane foam (SPF). The training is available at no charge in both English and French languages. The Canadian SPF Chemical Health […]
There was big news last month that should affect how the government regulates the industrial solvent trichloroethylene (TCE), including how it conducts clean-ups at Superfund sites. Members of a key Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) science advisory panel rejected the Agency’s analysis of a controversial study suggesting a link between exposure to TCE and fetal cardiac […]
We understand people’s concerns over ethylene oxide. No one should have to question whether the air they breathe is safe. Protecting the health and safety of the public is a top priority for the producers and users of ethylene oxide and our industry, and companies that make and work with ethylene oxide are actively investing […]
U.S. Environmental Protection (EPA)’s decision to grant temporary enforcement discretion will provide manufacturers with additional time to complete administrative requirements such as regulatory filings and allow inspections to be rescheduled after workforce shortages, travel and movement restrictions no longer present uncontrollable challenges to compliance. This short term measure is needed because essential personnel and resources […]
Methylene Diphenyl Diisocycanate (MDI) and Toluene Diisocyanate (TDI) are key building blocks used in the polyurethanes industry to produce a wide variety of materials like insulation, roofing, and coatings, as well as comfort materials like mattresses, furniture, appliances, sports equipment, and transportation seating. This week, the American Chemistry Council’s Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) […]
Buy coffee lately? You may have noticed labels on the packaging by “certification” organizations that track and certify that the coffee growers: receive an above standard “premium” price (Fairtrade); comply with United States “organic” standards (USDA Organic); or manage farms according to sustainability standards (Rainforest Alliance). When everything works right, coffee drinkers can rest assured […]
The Senate provided a very welcome surprise this week by approving the nomination of Katherine Lemos to the Chemical Safety Board (CSB). The move to approve Lemos follows shortly after a Senate hearing earlier this year held by Chairman Barrasso and Ranking Member Carper underscoring the important contributions the Board makes to enhancing safety. During […]
A coalition of industry trade associations and business groups representing a broad swath of the U.S. economy sent a letter to President Trump, governors, mayors and other officials across the country urging them to follow the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s definition of Essential Critical Infrastructure operations and workers when making COVID-19 decisions. The letter is intended to help officials nationwide […]
American Chemistry Council President and CEO Chris Jahn today sent a letter to President Trump and all 50 governors reminding them of the U.S. business of chemistry’s crucial role in our nation’s manufacturing supply chain and the need to maintain operations during this unprecedented time. Recognized as a Critical Infrastructure Sector by the U.S. Department of […]
While everyone is rightfully focused on today’s crisis and doing everything possible to mitigate the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we cannot afford to overlook other important challenges to our industry. This month marks the one-year anniversary of the tragic fires that occurred at the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) and KMCO facilities in the Houston […]
The World Health Organization has formally declared the COVID-19 outbreak a “pandemic.” With more than 100,000 reported cases of coronavirus worldwide, and over 4,200 deaths, many are looking for answers on how best to protect themselves and their families. The Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC) recently published a list of over 200 ready-to-use, dilutable, and […]