SOCMA to launch International Center for Sustainable Chemistry
The US-based Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA), the leading trade association for the speciality chemical industry, is to launch a major sustainable chemistry initiative.
The US-based Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA), the leading trade association for the speciality chemical industry, is to launch a major sustainable chemistry initiative.
The International Center for Sustainable Chemistry, which has been two years in the planning, is the result of a partnership and memorandum of understanding between SOCMA and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The core functions of the International Center for Sustainable Chemistry include:
- Providing technical advice on risk screening models and methods
- Delivering customised product stewardship programmes and training featuring easy-to-use models and approaches
- Developing and evaluating approaches to judge what makes one particular chemical 'greener' than others
- Convening product-specific stakeholder groups to address emerging chemical issues from a functional use perspective
- Developing and introducing innovative and new approaches to green chemistry
'The Center has a purely technical focus and serves as a center of excellence for chemical risk screening, featuring the Sustainable Futures models developed and used by EPA,' SOCMA president Joseph Acker explained.'
'It is a platform for stakeholder discussions on emerging chemical issues, building a bridge between supply chain players and among other interested parties. We look forward to working with the EPA and others in developing innovative and new approaches to green chemistry.'
An inaugural meeting will be held in March to present the Center's organisational structure, discuss areas of work, roles and responsibilities, and formally adopt the vision, mission and strategic plan.
Meanwhile Acker has launched a 'blog' to provide information to anyone interested in staying informed of activities in the synthetic organic chemical industry. The blog will provide industry news, publications, policy updates and behind-the-scenes information.
'Joe's Blog' (http://joesblog.socma.org) is believed to be the first of its kind in the industry and will provide a place where SOCMA members can check in frequently with its activity and give instant feedback on pressing issues.
'SOCMA is searching for a way to be in touch with our members all the time, and Joe's Blog is the perfect vehicle to get information out and in a less formal way,' Acker explained. He will also use his blog to take comments from members and develop conversations on critical topics as well as ensure all readers access to a wealth of information.
