Efficiency and innovation have quietly embedded sustainability into the DNA of the chemical industry—long before the hype cycles and regulatory pressures. Mitch Toomey, VP of Sustainability and Responsible Care at the American Chemistry Council (ACC), joins host Victoria Meyer to discuss how sustainability priorities are shaped by business needs, customer expectations, and practical realities. Mitch shares his journey from management consulting to the United Nations, BASF, and now ACC, spotlighting the business case for sustainability and the real progress chemical companies are making in reducing emissions and waste, even as industry output grows.
The conversation explores how the expectations around sustainability have shifted, why incremental improvements and transparency matter, and how the value chain—spanning suppliers, manufacturers, and customers—is working together to deliver meaningful results. Mitch addresses common public misconceptions about the chemical industry, offers insights into aligning diverse member interests at ACC, and closes with advice for future leaders who want to make an impact across business and policy.
Victoria and Mitch explore the following topics on this episode:
- The business case for sustainability: how efficiency and profitability drive lasting change
- Why chemical companies focus on practical, measurable sustainability improvements.
- How chemistry shapes everyday life
- Aligning diverse players across the chemical value chain for real sustainability progress.
- Mitch Toomey’s advice on careers and impact in sustainable chemistry.
Killer Quote: "What’s a safe and sustainable facility is a profitable facility." – Mitch Toomey
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