NEWS

Product Stewardship is a strategic component of Corporate Sustainability, focusing on the design, manufacturing, transportation, end-use, and disposal of products in ways that minimize environmental impact, maximize resource efficiency, and ensure clear hazard communication throughout the product life cycle. For our clients, Product Stewardship falls under various names – some refer to it directly, while others categorize it under Product Compliance, Extended Product Responsibility, HazCom, or Industrial Hygiene. Some organizations integrate it into their Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) teams.

When The Chatham Group launched the CREST Recruiting initiative, Product Stewardship was identified as one of our five key sustainability areas. Since then, we have built a strong track record of placing key roles across various industries, including Product Stewardship Directors and HazCom Managers in Advanced Materials, Industrial Hygienists and Toxicologists in Specialty Chemicals, and the Head of Integrated Supply Chain Regulation in Electronic Gases and Thin Film Deposition.

Addressing Emerging Environmental Risks

One of the most pressing challenges in contemporary environmental management is the contamination caused by microplastics and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These persistent pollutants raise serious concerns due to their widespread presence and potential health and ecological impacts.

A significant portion of microplastic pollution originates from the breakdown of electronic components such as control systems, personal electronics, and household appliances. These particles are released during manufacturing, everyday wear and tear, and especially at the end of a product’s lifecycle. The rapid advancement and high turnover of consumer electronics have exacerbated this issue, leading to measurable toxic microplastic leaching into terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems—and, ultimately, the human food chain.

Meanwhile, PFAS—often called “forever chemicals”—are intentionally engineered to resist degradation. Widely used in the consumer packaging industry for their non-stick and water-resistant properties, they frequently contaminate food and beverages through packaging materials. PFAS accumulate in the human body and have been linked to serious health concerns, including endocrine disruption. Addressing these risks requires robust regulatory frameworks, shifts in manufacturing processes, and increased public awareness.

Product stewardship professionals play a crucial role in these efforts by:
✔️ Advocating for alternative materials
✔️ Developing recycling and reclamation programs
✔️ Creating accurate safety documentation and labeling
✔️ Strengthening hazard communication practices

At The Chatham Group, we collaborate with clients in the Consumer Packaging and Food & Beverage industries that are actively working on expanding their Stewardship teams to tackle these pressing challenges.

Sustainable Solutions for the Building & Construction Industry

The disposal of Advanced Building Materials and Construction Materials presents unique environmental risks. A key example is the naturally occurring presence of radioactive Radon gas in gypsum. Gypsum board, widely used for its fire resistance, sound dampening, durability, and affordability, can pose significant disposal challenges.

When gypsum board from demolished buildings is discarded, it can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—such as formaldehyde from binding materials—as well as Radon gas, a known carcinogen. Improper disposal in landfills can lead to Radon contamination in the air, soil, and groundwater, raising public health concerns.

To combat these risks, Product Stewardship professionals are working with companies in the Advanced Building Materials sector to:
✔️ Develop enhanced recycling programs
✔️ Implement sustainable building practices
✔️ Innovate modern disposal technologies for hazardous but valuable construction materials

Product Stewardship in Specialty Chemicals: A Circular Economy Approach

In the Specialty Chemicals industry, manufacturing processes often generate byproducts, some of which are hazardous. Effective Product Stewardship ensures the responsible management of these byproducts from creation to final disposal or reclamation. This requires a cradle-to-grave strategy—starting with the molecular design of raw materials, intermediates, and finished compounds—to minimize hazardous byproducts and promote safe disposal and recycling.

Once byproducts are generated, Stewardship professionals:
✔️ Implement strict monitoring and control systems
✔️ Assess reactivity, toxicity, and potential for reclamation
✔️ Develop strategies to repurpose hazardous byproducts across industries

For example, if a waste product such as formaldehyde is identified, it may be repurposed as a raw material for another chemical process, reinforcing the circular economy model.

The Role of Regulatory Compliance & Hazard Communication

Regulatory compliance and hazard communication are fundamental pillars of Product Stewardship in Specialty Chemicals. Companies must adhere to local, state, national, and international regulations governing hazardous waste management. Product Stewardship professionals ensure compliance by overseeing the treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials—often striving to exceed minimum safety requirements.

Additionally, effective hazard communication protects employees, customers, and communities by:
✔️ Creating comprehensive Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
✔️ Developing HazCom labeling and training programs
✔️ Promoting clear messaging about product handling and associated risks

Clear communication reduces workplace accidents, prevents environmental incidents, and fosters trust with stakeholders.

Building a Future of Responsible Stewardship

At its core, Product Stewardship fosters a culture of responsibility and innovation—something The Chatham Group CREST Recruiting Team calls Corporate Conscience. As environmental regulations evolve, it is more important than ever for businesses to invest in internal Stewardship teams to stay ahead of compliance demands, modernize sustainability initiatives, and build a positive brand reputation centered on ecological and human safety.

The Chatham Group CREST Recruiting Team is here to help your business reduce the environmental impact of specialty chemicals and advanced material manufacturing while ensuring resources are used judiciously and efficiently. Together, we can create a sustainable, responsible, and profitable future – crest@mrichatham.com