Bill To Bolster Small Business Exports

Bill To Bolster Small Business Exports

• The Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates (SOCMA) is rallying for two pieces of legislation aimed at bolstering small business exports by providing these companies with direction and insight they need to navigate this complex process and increase their business opportunities.

Recently, House Small Business Committee chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Agriculture, Energy and Trade Subcommittee chairman Scott Tipton (R-CO) introduced the Export Coordination Act of 2012 (HR 5393) and the Transparent Rules Allow Direct Exporting (TRADE) for Small Businesses and Jobs Act (HR 5513), respectively. These bills not only would encourage more small businesses to export their products, but they clearly outline the role of various federal agencies in each part of the export process and provide them with a better grasp of foreign regulations, according to SOCMA.
Additionally, the Export Coordination Act of 2012 would provide a detailed listing of current and future federal and state-led trade missions, trade fairs and related activities and create stronger congressional oversight of trade programs.

More info: www.socma.com

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RIFM Is Testing New Software
• The Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) is beta testing its innovative 2-Box Indoor Air Dispersion Model software, an alternative method for assessing inhalation exposure to fragrance materials. RIFM Database subscribers can download the model for individual use by selecting “Tools and Models” from the RIFM Database home page and then selecting the model for download. The RIFM Database can be accessed from the Database section of the RIFM Science area at www.rifm.org.

The 2-Box Indoor Air Dispersion Model is a computational, indoor environment, air exposure model that characterizes the movement of a single chemical inside two connected, enclosed rooms. The model allows the user to determine air concentrations, over time, to assess potential inhalation exposure for different air care products under defined conditions of consumer use. The 2-Box Air Dispersion Model has been instrumental to the Systemic Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) Task Force for the inhalation aspect of their analysis of exposure from dermal, oral, and inhalation routes, and for aggregate exposure.

More info: www.rifm.org

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CSPA Supports AAPCC’s Guidelines For Single Dose Laundry Packs
• The Consumer Specialty Products Association (CSPA) supports the recommendations set forth by the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) regarding the importance of keeping laundry detergent products out of the reach of children. These recommendations came following recent reports regarding the unintentional ingestion of “single dose” laundry packets by children.

However, the Association noted that while it strongly supports AAPCC’s advice to consumers and recognizes that safety is paramount regarding any household cleaning product, it should be emphasized that CSPA member companies manufacture products that are safe when used according to the directions on the label. Manufacturers are continuously focusing on the safety of cleaning products and packaging, as well as helping to prevent their products from reaching children.

“Companies strive to provide easily understood storage and use information through various ways, including product labels, websites, hotlines, social media, consumers and especially parents, who will be better able to prevent such unintentional ingestion of products and be better prepared,” said CSPA President and CEO Chris Cathcart.

More info: www.cspa.org

Aerosol Products Are On The Rise In Household Cleaning Products • The Consumer Specialty Products Association’s (CSPA) 2011 Aerosol Pressurized Products Survey indicates an increase in US production during the past year, setting another record high with 36 million more units filled this year. This marks the highest year ever for aerosol production in the US. The estimated total units filled in 2011 were 3.782 billion units. Survey research was conducted by the independent firm, Association Research, Inc. Household products remain the largest category and recorded a 2.4% increase in 2011. Personal care products have also increased marginally, up 1% over 2010. Much of the increase in personal care products came from perfumes and body spray. “The continued growth in aerosol production indicates that consumers’ demand for aerosol products is growing,“ said CSPA President and CEO Chris Cathcart. “The variety of aerosol products categories, including not only household and personal care products but also, food, and automotive, provide the convenience and efficiency consumers want in their products.” The survey, which also reports the unit volume of aerosol packaging components manufactured and delivered for domestic use in 2011, as well as estimates for Canadian and Mexican production, has served for 61 years as the primary index of the business strength of the aerosol products industry. More info: www.cspa.org