Records of the Manufacturing Chemists’ Association

The Manufacturing Chemists’ Association (MCA) was an industry trade association for American chemical companies. The MCA was formed in 1872 and initially concerned itself with matters relating to product standards and quality. Later, the association became involved in matters relating to chemical safety and to the environment.

In 1878, the MCA began to take an active stand on behalf of protectionist forces in the struggle waged over the issue of free trade. It was the association’s contention that free trade would give the better established European chemical manufacturers of England, France, and Germany an unfair advantage over the still-developing United States companies. In time, the MCA became so well versed in tariffs and trade-related matters that their members came to be relied upon by the United States Congress as expert advisors.

During World War I, many prominent MCA members were a part of the Chemical Alliance. The Chemical Alliance worked to ensure that substitute sources could be found for vital chemicals previously supplied by Germany.

The Manufacturing Chemists’ Association was renamed the Chemical Manufacturers Association in 1978. In 2000, the Chemical Manufacturers Association was subsequently renamed The American Chemistry Council, Incorporated. The American Chemistry Council, Incorporated is presently active and represents more than 190 chemical companies.

Sources

Records of the Manufacturing Chemists’ Association, Science History Institute Archives, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.