by Stacy Tatman, Senior Manager, Government Relations and Legal Analysis

NEMA has formed a new Materials Management Council to address the myriad issues related to materials management and associated supply chain issues.

For several months, NEMA Members have been sharing their concerns about supply chain disruptions and increasing regulatory pressure. Shipping delays, restrictive tariffs, chemical bans, and of course, the global pandemic are just a few of the natural and manmade hindrances creating vulnerabilities in companies’ ability to maintain access to parts, supplies, and materials.

These difficulties highlight the benefits of improved materials management. Today’s businesses manage complex, global, nonlinear, multitiered supply chains. A transparent and diversified supply chain increases resiliency, robustness, and adaptability when disruption occurs.

The Materials Management Council’s primary activities cover critical minerals sourcing and diversification, chemicals management, packaging, labeling, and extended producer responsibility. The Council provides a forum for discussion to foster collaborative solution-finding efforts. The Council will help Members manage these issues through awareness, support, and advocacy

AWARENESS
The Council increases Member awareness of emerging issues by keeping current with breaking developments, staying ahead of trends, and interpreting policy impacts.

SUPPORT
The Council helps Members resist and recover from supply chain disruptions by providing support in practical tools and collaborative forums to increase supply chain transparency and sourcing diversity.

ADVOCACY
The Council will engage with legislators and regulators to implement reasonable, science-based solutions and implement industry-led programs.

The download an invitation to the Council's kick-off meeting, click here. For more information about the Council, contact Kirk Anderson and Stacy Tatman.