PolyOne tackles safety issue

With all the concern this year about product safety, it is interesting that compounder PolyOne Corp. last week came out with a pledge aimed at assuring its customers that its products are safe. The company calls it the "No Surprises Pledge," which "states that the materials PolyOne produces contain only ingredients that conform to accepted legal and regulatory compliance guidelines, and that PolyOne will use sustainable practices in formulating and manufacturing its materials to enhance long-term product viability and foster environmental stewardship. PolyOne also pledges to meet or exceed its self-imposed rigorous quality and safety management standards as well as the material safety data reporting requirements in effect in our customers' countries or regions." In a release announcing the news, Stephen Newlin, the chairman, president and CEO of the Avon Lake, Ohio-based company, said: "Recently publicized reports of inappropriate ingredients in the finished products of well-recognized companies have the potential to mar their brands and reputations. Today's customers want to have confidence knowing they are dealing with ethical, trustworthy and dependable suppliers. We believe our proactive commitment on the integrity of our practices and materials will give assurance to our existing and future customers. All customers deserve that." Will other compounders and materials suppliers make a similar public pledge? It will be interesting to see. I'm not sure if it's necessary, at least not from North American compounders and resin suppliers. But perhaps some of their customers will be comforted by the announcement.