WASHINGTON – Reflecting the increasing globalization of the chemical industry, members of the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) have voted overwhelmingly to create an international class of membership in the association. In reaching out to foreign companies, SOCMA is taking a significant step to spread the chemical industry’s Responsible Care® initiative.

As part of the expansion, SOCMA’s main membership group will include chemical manufacturers in NAFTA countries (United States, Canada and Mexico). Manufacturers outside the region, but with sales in NAFTA countries, will be eligible to join SOCMA in the new international membership class. In keeping with the association’s commitment to spread performance excellence, international members will be required to implement Responsible Care or a like-kind performance-excellence initiative.