N E W S R E L E A S E
December 8, 2009
Contacts: Karen Angelo 978-430-6303 or Yve Torrie, (978) 934-3121
Report Reveals Best Practices for Retailers to Manage Chemicals in Products
Lowell, Mass.– Seven innovative retailers faced with increasing demands to understand more about the chemical ingredients and toxicity of the products they sell, have developed systems to manage chemical ingredients in these products, says a new report released today by the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3), a project of the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
The retailers studied in the report – Apple, Boots, Green Depot, Patagonia, REI, Staples, and Walmart – implement different types of product chemicals management systems to ensure safer products for consumers, each with their own benefits and challenges.
“Retailers are feeling pressure from regulators, consumers, environmental groups, and the media to manage chemical ingredients in products, and as a result, we’re seeing some retailers emerge as leaders in creating structured systems to guide them in selling safer products,” says Yve Torrie, project manager at the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production at UMass Lowell. “We analyzed their systems to determine what best practices or key success factors could benefit other retailers.”
From the seven company cases, the report “Best Practices in Product Chemicals Management in the Retail Industry,” identifies six best practices in implementing a product chemicals management system. They are:
- Gaining Commitment from the Top: Secure a commitment from leaders in the organization that a product chemicals management system is important.
- Collaborating with Direct Suppliers: Communicate expectations with suppliers and work with them while they conform to new requirements.
- Engaging with a Wider Net of Stakeholders: Work collaboratively with suppliers, advocates, other retailers, and sector-wide and industry-wide groups in the development of a products chemicals management system.
- Educating Consumers: Make it easy for consumers to purchase safer products by providing educational materials on the products sold.
- Managing the System Well: Ensure the system starts with a baseline of information that allows for continuous improvement.
- Selecting the Approach that’s Right for Your Operation: Evaluate different systems to determine which product chemicals management system is the best “fit” for your retail operation.
Although many retailers start with developing their own product chemicals management system, there are growing opportunities for collaboration sector-wide and industry-wide. The GC3 provides an opportunity for retailers to collaborate with companies throughout the supply chain.
“It is likely that retailers are going to face more regulations, more consumer and advocacy pressure, and more chemicals management challenges in the future,” says Roger McFadden, a participant in the GC3 and chief scientist and vice president of Product Science and Technology at Staples, Inc. “However, I don’t view this as negative but rather as an opportunity for forward-thinking manufacturers and retailers to work together to develop systems that ensure comprehensive and credible information on the chemicals in their products, and to promote the design of safer alternatives for our customers who are demanding them.”
About the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3)
The GC3 was formed in 2005 and provides an open forum for participants to discuss and share information and experiences related to advancing green chemistry and design for environment as it pertains to sustainable supply chain management. The GC3 is a project of the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Visit www.greenchemistryandcommerce.org.
About the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production
The Lowell Center for Sustainable Production at UMass Lowell uses rigorous science, collaborative research, and innovative strategies to promote communities, workplaces, and products that are healthy, humane, and respectful of natural systems. The Center is composed of faculty, staff, and graduate students at the University of Massachusetts Lowell who work collaboratively with citizen groups, workers, businesses, institutions, and government agencies to build healthy work environments, thriving communities, and viable businesses that support a more sustainable world. Visit www.sustainableproduction.org.
About the University of Massachusetts Lowell
UMass Lowell, with a national reputation in science, engineering and technology, is committed to educating students for lifelong success in a diverse world and conducting research and outreach activities that sustain the economic, environmental and social health of the region. UML offers its 13,000 students more than 120 degree choices, internships, five-year combined bachelor’s to master’s programs and doctoral studies in the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Engineering and Management, the School of Health and Environment, and the Graduate School of Education. www.uml.edu.
