In an environment of ever-increasing demands for product safety, evolving public policy, and growing retailer programs, companies will face challenges, opportunities, and risks.

In addition, the globalization of commerce today complicates compliance and data collection, and could lead to supply chain disruption. This white paper series looks at integrating product stewardship into business practices in order to drive long-term success. 

ERM has found that the best defense against business disruption in time of change is to integrate reliable product stewardship programs to monitor and outpace the rate of change and mitigate business risks. In this chapter, you will learn how information management is at the heart of product stewardship. You will also learn about the impacts of divestments, mergers, and acquisitions, and gain insights into how to make choices during and after such transition that bring positive value to the business.

The papers featured include:

Optimizing Information Management by Christina Clements, David Robbins and Samir Menon

Effective product stewardship depends upon the availability of complex information in order to evaluate, manage, and mitigate the potential impacts that a product can have on people and the environment, as well as the ability of a company to place the product in specific markets.

Impact on Brand, Compliance, and Risk Management by John Phillips and Sarah Medearis

“When in doubt, throw it out!” This phrase has long been used in the medical community to warn against eating tainted or spoiled food. What do spoiled leftovers in the refrigerator have to do with sustainable products? The personal decision to accept the risk or opt for safety.

Due Diligence by Wayne Bergin

One of the most important drivers for product stewardship in the face of increasing regulations is to serve the relevant consents and authorizations that allow the sale of products in a global marketplace. However, in the context of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), the stakes are even higher.

Post-Divestment Management by Sarah Medearis

“Change” is the word for many employees working in the chemicals, healthcare, consumer goods and other manufacturing sectors, as companies strive to maximize their earnings potential. Mergers and divestitures present great opportunities for reshaping the core values and direction of a company and its employees for success in the marketplace. But it is often a challenge to shrug old values and work habits and embrace new ones in order to identify and manage business risks effectively while realizing market opportunities across the new enterprise.

Contact information is provided in each paper. Please feel free to engage with our ERM authors.