BACS is a UK based trade association which provides a voice for member companies operating in the speciality chemicals sector of the chemicals supply chain.
Written by David Karsa, Technical Consultant, and John Reid, Company Secretary
The British Association for Chemical Specialities (BACS) is a UK-based trade association which represents companies operating in the speciality chemicals sector of the chemicals supply chain. The speciality chemicals sector is a diverse and innovative part of the chemical industry with a history of making a significant contribution to the UK economy and also promoting sustainability.
BACS provides a voice for members and is active in representing and promoting the interests of member companies through engagement in the UK with Government and the regulators, on general issues affecting the membership as a whole and on specific issues affecting members with different business interests, and also at the European level through affiliate membership of Cefic, membership on the European Federation for Cosmetics Ingredients and membership of the British Business Bureau in Brussels.
In addition, the Association keeps members informed and advised on regulatory and policy developments as they emerge, and provides a “helpdesk” service for any specific queries members may have. BACS has around 125 members, including multi-national chemical companies, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and sole-traders. The majority of members are SMEs. Most members are UK based but this is not a condition of membership.
Member companies operating in the supply chain include companies manufacturing speciality chemical ingredients, companies manufacturing fine chemicals, performance chemicals for industrial and consumer use and process aids for industrial applications, formulators, distributors, retailers and service companies. Service companies include companies engaged in toll manufacturing, companies providing technical support and additional non-chemical supplies and services, companies providing research and analytical and testing services, companies providing consultancy services and training organisations.
BACS also provides opportunities for its members to discuss issues and promote best practice through various committees, sector groups and task forces, always respecting competition law. These cover a range of interests, including professional cleaning and maintenance products, biocidal products, speciality surfactants, personal care and cosmetics ingredients and water treatment, reflecting the diversity of members’ business activities.
Examples of the work of BACS range from the promotion of guidance on sustainable cleaning for users of professional cleaning products, membership of the chemicals supply chain high-level group on sustainable consumption and production, organisation of seminars and conferences, such as on REACH and on topics of interest to sector groups, to the recent development of BACS Surfactants Training courses.
The activities of BACS generally and within committees, sector groups and task forces are described on the public side of the website at www.bacsnet.org. Members of the Association have access to more information in the Members’ Area of the website.
For more information about the Association, please contact enquiries@bacsnet.org.