Frequently Asked Inquiries about Sustainable Tomorrows
In the realm of chemical manufacturing, the Sustainable Futures program offers a unique opportunity for companies to demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. The program grants graduation status to companies, not individuals, and this article aims to shed light on the requirements and benefits associated with achieving this status.
Firstly, it's important to note that if a company is sold, acquired, or merged, the graduation status remains with the company. However, if a new company acquires the intellectual property assets of a Sustainable Futures graduate, it must satisfy the requirements for Sustainable Futures graduation and work through the process to obtain its own graduate status.
A company graduating from the Sustainable Futures program will receive correspondence from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) indicating they can submit a combined Pre-manufacture Notice (PMN) and Test Marketing Exemption (TME) for the same chemical at the same time. This combined submission is a significant advantage, as it allows companies to streamline their processes and expedite the review of their new chemical.
However, there are certain conditions to be met. For instance, when a graduate submits a combined PMN/TME, the TME must specify the time period of the test marketing in advance of distribution. Also, LVEs (Low Volume Exemptions) will count towards the total PMN submissions needed for graduation as long as they are prescreened and not regulated. However, LVEs do not receive the regulatory relief in the form of expedited (45-day) review that PMNs do.
It's crucial for a company representative to attend the training for the company to be considered as having taken training. The Sustainable Futures training is offered by or cosponsored by the EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT).
In the event that EPA grants the TME but does not drop the PMN during the first 30 days of review, the submitter will be notified that they must choose, by letter within 15 days of being notified of the Agency's decision, to continue only one of the two notification procedures (i.e., withdraw the TME and continue with the PMN, or continue with the TME and withdraw the PMN).
EPA is considering creating a new Pollution Prevention (P2)-based exemption available to any company that prescreens a low-hazard, low-risk new chemical notice. This could potentially open up more opportunities for companies to participate in the Sustainable Futures program and reap its benefits.
While the specific process, requirements, or criteria for a company to obtain or graduate from the Sustainable Futures graduate status were not detailed in the search results, it's generally understood that companies might expect to implement sustainable policies and practices, provide progress reports or measurable impact on sustainability targets, undergo third-party verification or certification, engage and train employees, and follow a defined graduation or milestone process.
In conclusion, the Sustainable Futures program offers a valuable opportunity for companies to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. By meeting the requirements and criteria, companies can graduate from the program and enjoy the benefits, such as the ability to submit a combined PMN/TME and the potential for a P2-based exemption. For more detailed, official criteria, it's recommended to consult the specific Sustainable Futures program's administrative or official website or contact the program directly.
- The Sustainable Futures program, embedded in the realm of chemical manufacturing, focuses on environmental protection and sustainability, conferring graduation status to companies, not individuals.
- To maintain the graduation status, a company must continue to comply even if it is sold, acquired, or merged, or when it transfers intellectual property assets to another company.
- Graduating from the Sustainable Futures program allows companies to submit a combined Pre-manufacture Notice (PMN) and Test Marketing Exemption (TME) application, streamlining their chemical review processes with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- However, to successfully submit a combined PMN/TME, certain conditions must be met, such as specifying the time period of the test marketing in advance, and LVEs (Low Volume Exemptions) counting towards the total PMN submissions only when prescreened and not regulated.
- To be considered for graduation, a company representative must attend the Sustainable Futures training, which is offered by or cosponsored by the EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics (OPPT).
- The EPA is considering creating a new Pollution Prevention (P2)-based exemption, potentially opening more opportunities for companies to participate in the Sustainable Futures program. Companies may expect to implement sustainable policies, provide reports or impact on sustainability targets, undergo third-party verification or certification, engage and train employees, and follow a defined graduation or milestone process.
