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New Guide Will Support Specialty-Batch Chemical Manufacturers'
Participation in EPA's Voluntary Programs
Enesta Jones, 202-564-7873 / jones.enesta@epa.gov
June 9, 2004 Press Advisory
EPA is releasing a new guide that will help the specialty-batch chemical
industry learn about voluntary environmental programs that can improve
their environmental and economic performance. With more than 70 voluntary
programs now available, EPA recognizes the need to help organizations
make informed decisions about the ones best suited to their operations.
The EPA Voluntary Programs Guide for the Specialty-Batch Chemical Sector
addresses that need by summarizing the requirements and benefits of 16
voluntary programs, such as EnergyStar, Waste Wise, and Design for the
Environment, that are applicable to specialty-batch chemical manufacturers.
Developed with input from the specialty-batch chemical sector, the guide
demonstrates EPA's recent commitment to improving management of voluntary
programs. Voluntary programs are increasingly being used as a complement
to traditional regulatory approaches. They play a major role in the Agency's
efforts to enhance environmental performance through innovation and collaboration,
and are instrumental in helping industry sectors address environmental
challenges. The guide is available at: http://www.epa.gov/sectors/sbchemical/index.html.