Chemline: Inside the Chemical Distribution Industry

Chemicals touch our lives every day, in every way. From wherever you are reading this, you can’t reach out in front of you to touch something that hasn’t been brought to you by chemical production. The paint on our cars, the medications we take, even the municipal water we drink have all been impacted by chemicals. Chemical distributors and their affiliates work hard to keep these chemicals moving; to ensure business can flow seamlessly for the thousands of downstream industries which rely on them; and to provide the millions of products and services for the people who use them. From the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD), this is Chemline: Inside the Chemical Distribution Industry. Taking you through the obstacles faced by those who keep the chemical distribution industry churning. Each month we’ll hear first-hand from experts on different topics that are affecting the industry.

Episodes

Unraveling PFAS: Expert Management of Safety, Compliance, and Risk

March 26, 2025 • 27 mins

In the season 2 finale, host Eric Byer delves into the challenges of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the chemical distribution industry. He begins by tracing the history of PFAS, their widespread use in products like firefighting foam and non-stick cookware, and the reasons behind their prevalence today. Eric is joined by industry experts Mark Siem of Perimeter Solutions and Stephen Kowkabany of The ...

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Countdown to Chaos: The January 15 Port Strike Deadline

December 19, 2024 • 21 mins

In this episode of Chemline: Inside the Chemical Distribution Industry, host Eric Byer is joined by industry experts to explore the looming threat of a potential port strike set for January 15. As tensions rise between the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), the risk of a strike could lead to widespread disruptions at key ports. Eric and guests explore how...

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From Crisis to Clean Water: The Story of O'Toole, WV

June 12, 2024 • 19 mins

In this episode, we feature CITCO Water, a family-owned distributor serving customers in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Recognizing a need in their community, CITCO Water responded with care, resources, and guidance through their initiative, CITCO Plus One. Join us as we delve into the story of how CITCO Water, a proud member of the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD) since 2014, expanded their core v...

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The Ripple Effect: How Red Sea Attacks Disrupt America’s Supply Chain

March 22, 2024 • 23 mins

In this episode of Chemline, host Eric Byer dives into the repercussions of recent attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Industry experts discuss the challenges confronting the global supply chain, such as heightened shipping delays and increased costs. Despite these challenges, businesses are fine-tuning their supply chain strategies to ensure flexibility and adaptability. Additionally, regulatory authoritie...

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Closing the Gap: The Future of Diversity in STEM

January 23, 2024 • 20 mins

In this episode, host Eric Byer dives into the profound impact of the Future of STEM Scholars Initiative (FOSSI) on the chemical industry. FOSSI, a national program, aims to amplify diversity in the STEM workforce by awarding scholarships to students pursuing STEM degrees at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). With a focus on breaking down financial barriers, FOSSI is dedicated to supporting aspir...

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Backing the Experts Our World Depends On

December 4, 2023 • 15 mins

Season Two of Chemline kicks off with a major shift from the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) to the Alliance for Chemical Distribution (ACD). The episode draws insights from ACD’s Annual Meeting in Amelia Island, featuring the comprehensive research process behind ACD's new name and identity, the importance of inclusivity for industry growth, the enduring value of Responsible Distribution amid ...

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Unraveling PFAS: A Realistic Approach to Forever Chemicals

July 31, 2023 • 21 mins

In the final episode of season one, host Eric Byer takes a deep dive into per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "Forever Chemicals," and their significant impact on the chemical distribution industry. With expert insights and industry leaders, we explore the uses, implications, and regulations surrounding PFAS. Discover the complexities of defining PFAS, their surprising presence in various prod...

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Off the Rails: Urgent Freight Rail Reform and Safety Improvements Needed

June 27, 2023 • 17 mins

In this episode of Chemline: Inside the Chemical Distribution Industry, host Eric Byer dives deep into the pressing issue of freight rail reform. The episode explores the aftermath of the devastating train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which triggered a controlled release of hazardous materials, evacuations, and environmental damage. Eric discusses the intricate relationship between the chemical industry and ...

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Return of the Superfund Tax: What are the Implications?

May 1, 2023 • 19 mins

The Superfund was created to finance the cleanup of uncontrolled or abandoned waste sites, accidents, spills, or other emergency releases of pollutants into the environment. The tax expired in 1996 and remained dormant for almost 30 years. In 2021, U.S. Congress unexpectedly resurrected the tax through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), catching taxpayers by surprise. In this episode, host Eric Byer...

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Part 3: The Impact of Fraud on the Globe's Most Vulnerable Industry

April 3, 2023 • 15 mins

In the final installment of this three-part series on fraud within the chemical industry, host Eric Byer highlights the complexities of cyber-attacks and how the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) is successfully implemented to prevent such attacks. With the CFATS expiration date on the horizon (July 27, 2023), Eric and the NACD team urge listeners to advocate for the reauthorization of this vital r...

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Part 2: The Impact of Fraud on the Globe's Most Vulnerable Industry

March 14, 2023 • 11 mins

In part two of this three-part series on fraud in the chemical industry, host Eric Byer reveals that in the early Spring of 2021, the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD) was alerted that a member company had fallen victim to an ongoing fraud scheme that targeted chemical companies hoping to acquire toxic industrial chemicals. Listen to find out how NACD, with the help of the Cybersecurity and Infra...

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Part 1: The Impact of Fraud on the Globe's Most Vulnerable Industry

February 27, 2023 • 12 mins

In part one of this three-part series on fraud within the chemical industry, host Eric Byer takes a look at the impact of fraud on the Chemical Sector and what is at stake if hazardous chemicals end up in the wrong hands. Thank you to our guests: • Kelly Murray, Associate Director of Chemical Security, Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) • Jerry Caponera, General Manager of Risk Products, Threa...

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Chemline: Inside the Chemical Distribution Industry Trailer

February 10, 2023 • 1 min

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