SOCMA: Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates

SOCMA, the Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Affiliates, Inc., is the only U.S. based trade association dedicated solely to the batch, custom and specialty chemical industry. From its headquarters in Washington, DC, SOCMA advocates flexible policies grounded in sound science and works to ensure that Congress and the regulatory agencies do not adopt a one-size fits-all approach to our industry.

SOCMA is, first and foremost, its members.  Since 1921, we have represented a diverse membership of small, medium and large chemical companies, making us the leading authority on this sector.  Our member companies are located around the world and encompass every segment of the industry.  In the U.S., they manufacture 50,000 products annually that are valued at $60 billion dollars. They operate more than 2,000 manufacturing sites and employ more than 100,000 workers.  SOCMA members play an indispensable role in the global chemical industry by producing intermediates, specialty chemicals and ingredients used to develop a wide range of commercial and consumer products.  These products are essential to the life, health and well-being of people everywhere.

SOCMA supports the industry with programs that maximize commercial and networking opportunities, increase public confidence and influence the passage of rational laws and regulations.   In 1977, SOCMA VISIONS was formed to address specific chemical or process advocacy, regulatory, testing, stewardship, or technical issues that are of interest to a particular sector of the chemical industry. In 1984, the Informex® trade show was launched and in 2005, SOCMA established ChemStewards®, the first environmental, health, safety and security program designed for our unique sector. 

Prior to 2009, SOCMA was known as the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association, and was dedicated exclusively to the needs of the organic specialty chemical sector. Our new name formally expands the scope of SOCMA’s activity and broadens our appeal to be more inclusive of inorganic producers and biotechnology companies. SOCMA firmly believes that the inorganic and biotech sectors will benefit from the same programs and services that have served the organic sector effectively over the years.