Last week’s Responsible Chemistry Summit, co-hosted by the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the Ohio Chemistry Technology Council (OCTC), and the West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA), brought together industry safety and sustainability experts, policymakers, and state industry partners for two days of dynamic dialogue, hands-on learning and networking. Held at Syensqo’s Marietta, Ohio facility, the event illustrated the power of working together to advance safety and sustainability across the chemical industry.
Through workshops, panels, and engaging presentations, participants gained actionable insights to strengthen safety and sustainability in their operations. During the first day, the OCTC Safety and Sustainability Committee held their quarterly meeting, sharing excellent practices and case studies in root cause analysis and incident response, before delving into the value of advocacy and community engagement. Presenters shared the impact of Responsible Care® and opportunities to facilitate local first responder training through TRANSCAER®.
The first day wrapped with an exciting roundtable with state policymakers, including Delegate Robert Fehrenbacher (WV), Senator Brian Chavez (OH), and Assemblyman Brian Bergen (NJ).
ACC’s Quinlan Carroll emphasized the value of these cross-sector gatherings, stating, “Bringing together industry leaders and policymakers fosters the kind of interactions that drive meaningful progress. Engagement at this level is essential to building resilient, responsible chemical manufacturing.”
On day two, ACC’s sustainability team was joined by The Water Council to lead an engaging workshop on watershed risk assessment, showcasing strategies to help companies understand and address water stewardship challenges.
The event culminated with a focus on workforce development with the Marietta Chamber of Commerce (MACC). MACC joined the Summit to accept a $10,000 donation for their community scholarship program, made possible by the Foundation for Chemistry Research & Initiatives (FCRI), a 501 (c)(3) organization established by ACC. FRCI’s mission is to advance the understanding, safe use, and positive impact of chemistry to society.
The FCRI contribution to MACC will help expand educational opportunities for students in Washington County, Ohio and Wood County, West Virginia who aspire to build careers in their local communities. The donation underscores the chemical industry’s commitment to responsible practices and community investment, aligning with the Summit’s broader goals of safety, sustainability and industry leadership.
The Responsible Chemistry Summit exemplifies what’s possible when we work together to pursue shared values. It’s not just about compliance, it’s about leadership, innovation, and building trust with our communities.
Bill Bissett, President of WVMA, added, “This Summit reinforces the importance of collaboration between federal and state chemical industry associations and our members. When we work together across state lines, we amplify our impact and create a stronger, safer industry.”
As host, Syensqo shared their pride in facilitating the event, “Syensqo appreciates the opportunity to host the Responsible Chemistry Summit sponsored by the American Chemistry Council, Ohio Chemistry Technology Council and the West Virginia Manufacturers Association. In particular, the value of the American Chemistry Council organized Water Body Risk Assessment to Syensqo, and many of the other mid-Ohio River Valley chemical companies in attendance, highlighted the nexus of industry water usage with Ohio River Basin water quality for drinking, recreation and future industry growth."
Learn more about Responsible Care and water stewardship.