Responsible Reflections Blog

Have you ever considered what goes into making the sunscreen that protects us in the summer months?

Chances are, you've applied sunscreen at least once since summer began. But have you ever considered the work and effort behind producing these essential creams and lotions? Chemical supply chain experts, like ACD member Coast Southwest, play a crucial role in making sure these products are available to keep you protected.

The Spring of 2019 was challenging for me. My youngest was struggling with health issues, my mother-in-law was fighting lung cancer, work was very busy, and family demands with three children were keeping my calendar full. In May, my mother-in-law lost her fight against cancer, and I was thrown into grief. Little did I know, my challenges were far from over.

The value of attending an event like the ChemEdge 2024 Trade Show and Conference is immeasurable. Happening in just a few weeks, this unique event is ideal for those in operations and regulatory roles, and provides a fantastic forum to share ideas, knowledge, and best practice – while also hearing from a selection of handpicked speakers and industry experts.

With summer in full swing, few things can beat having a swimming pool during July’s record-breaking heat waves. But one product is indispensable to treating them: chlorine.   

Nearly one year ago, on July 28, 2023, the chemical distribution industry lost a vital tool to protect our chemical facilities from bad actors. As many of our members know, the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program was created in 2007 to help prevent terrorist attacks on high-risk chemical facilities.

It wasn’t that long ago that Artificial Intelligence (AI) was something fantastical and typically reserved for the movies – but this rapidly-evolving technology is now starting to transform our personal and professional lives.

Chemical distribution is increasingly inter-connected. Because of this, it’s becoming even more clear that diverse perspectives and experiences can foster greater learning, growth, and opportunity for all.

Change is a constant in the chemical distribution industry, and our members have experienced many new and evolving trends over the last few decades. In the early days, chemical distribution was primarily transactional, focusing on supplying regional customers with base chemicals, solvents, and pigments to fulfill orders. Today, we operate in a global economy, and the landscape of offerings has changed. Today, chemical distribution professionals are taking steps to improve and evolve their businesses by being stewards of sustainability, incorporating cutting-edge technologies into day-to-day operations, and providing greater value-added services.