The National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) announced the winner of the 2021 NACD Responsible Distribution Excellence Award. This award is presented to companies that demonstrate a sustained and rigorous commitment to Responsible Distribution, NACD’s mandatory, independent, third-party verified environmental, health, safety, and security program. This year’s Responsible Distribution Excellence Award goes to EMCO Chemical Distributors Inc.

Established in 1971 and headquartered in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, EMCO Chemical Distributors is recognized as one of the leading providers of chemicals and chemical-related products and services in North America. Guided by its commitment to quality and safety, EMCO annually handles more than 350 million pounds of product through its chemical distribution and contract packaging divisions.


Some of the positive work includes: strong management buy-in for Responsible Distribution with annual reviews of Code Procedures conducted and documented by members of senior management; monthly site safety meetings with all senior management involved in environment, health, security, and safety procedures; a robust annual training schedule for all employees, with every position having a Training Programs Policy; and projects such as a new video training program, a new preventative maintenance system, a badging system for employees to enter the facility, and tracking key performance indicators annually in its Corporate Goals and review.

Since 2006, more than a dozen companies that exemplify the principles of Responsible Distribution have received the Responsible Distribution Excellence Award. Third-party verifiers and peers nominate the award recipients to earn this recognition. Company representatives join NACD leadership at the ChemEdge conference in August each year to receive the award in front of their colleagues and encourage other association members to learn from their best practices.