Responsible CareŇ
In 1986, the American Chemistry Council's (ACC), then known as the Chemical Manufacturers Association (CMA), Board of Directors established an ad hoc Board Public Perception Committee. This committee was asked to examine how to improve the public’s perception of the chemical industry, its products, and its performance. After focusing on understanding why the public had such a high level of concern, the committee concluded a long-term program was needed that would commit ACC member companies to demonstrate the industry’s commitment to be responsible citizens by making a commitment to continually improve health, safety and environmental performance and encourage sensitivity and responsiveness to public concerns.

Meanwhile, the Canadian Chemical Producers Association (CCPA) adopted a program called Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER), and then expanded it to include all aspects of chemical manufacturing operations. The CCPA called this expanded initiative Responsible Care® .

The ACC committee reviewed the success of the CAER Program and CCPA’s expanded initiative--Responsible Care®, and soon concluded that a similar Responsible Care® initiative for U.S.-based companies could improve performance and, ultimately, improve public perception for the industry.

In September 1988, ACC’s Board of Directors unanimously approved Responsible Care® and in October of that year, ACC member companies voted the Responsible Care® codes into their bylaws.

The commitment to Responsible Care® establishes the preeminence of the responsible management of chemicals and the continued improvement in chemical industry practices. It also recognizes the need for member companies to help each other achieve the collective objective of improved health, safety and environmental quality.