Since its inception in 1988, the American Chemistry Council's Responsible Care® program has enabled its member participants to lead the way to a cleaner environment, safer facilities and a more secure nation. In 1993, the Responsible Care Partnership Program was developed in response to the interest of non-ACC member companies who recognized Responsible Care as the leading performance improvement initiative for the safe handling of chemicals in the United States.
The Responsible Care Partnership Program extends the Responsible Care ethic beyond America's chemical product makers and throughout their respective value chains: customers, shippers, logistics service providers and others engaged in the business of chemistry.
Today, through Responsible Care and the Responsible Care Partnership Program, more than 200 companies are working together to raise the standards of chemical operations and distribution nationwide.
Partnership Program Facts
Eligibility
Companies responsible for chemical transportation, distribution, storage, use or treatment and disposal are eligible to become Partners. Companies that are significantly engaged in chemical sales, marketing and logistics may also be eligible. (Learn more.) At present, there are approximately 80 companies participating in the Partnership Program. Partner companies are segregated into sectors based on their primary business operation.
Implementation Requirements
Like members of the American Chemistry Council, Responsible Care Partner companies must implement all elements of the Responsible Care initiative. These include implementing the Responsible Care Management System (RCMS® or RC14001®), having their management system certified by an accredited auditing firm, reporting sector-specific performance measures, and meeting Security Code requirements. Each of these commitments has a specific schedule dependent upon date of joining the Partner Program.
The Partnership Program has steadily grown as both partner and ACC member companies recognize that it creates value for their operations. Partners have noted that participating in the Responsible Care program does, at a minimum, the following:
- Promotes increased action and interaction between member and Partner companies on safety and security issues;
- Fosters consistent terminology and streamlines communications on environmental, health, safety and security practices throughout the industry; and
- Improves dialogue with communities and other stakeholders about the safe handling of chemical products.
Partner Coordinator Manual
Each Partner Company establishes a person as Responsible Care Coordinator on joining the program. This individual is the primary link to all program activities. A Partner Coordinator’s Manual (pdf) has been created to provide overall guidance and background for the Partner Program as it exists today.
