ACI Supports Safer Choice and Design for the Environment Expansion

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) has voiced its support for the potential expansion of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) Programs, recommending the inclusion of new product categories.

The Safer Choice and DfE programs grant agency-approved labels to products that meet stringent health and environmental safety criteria, aiding consumers and institutions in making informed purchases.

ACI specifically advocates for the addition of liquid laundry packets, dissolvable laundry sheets, and microbial-based cleaners to these programs.

According to Darius Stanton, Director of Regulatory Science and Innovation at the American Cleaning Institute, "ACI members benefit from the Safer Choice Program Certification because it represents a high level of achievement in formulating products made with safer ingredients for consumers and the environment."

The proposed expansion is expected to foster innovation within the cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing industry, helping consumers and businesses find products that not only perform effectively but also contain safer ingredients for both human health and the environment.

Attributes highlighted by ACI for the recommended product categories include the efficiency and sustainability of liquid laundry packets, which reduce raw materials and water use, and the convenience of pre-measured detergent. Dissolvable laundry sheets are praised for their water-saving properties and minimal waste generation, while microbial-based cleaners are acknowledged for their growing popularity in the U.S., offering benefits like odor mitigation and the ability to clean deep cracks and crevices.

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) represents the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry, a $60 billion supply chain. ACI's membership encompasses manufacturers, formulators, ingredient suppliers, and distributors involved in the production of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products for various settings. ACI's mission revolves around advancing the health and quality of life for individuals while safeguarding the environment through science-backed initiatives and advocacy for the cleaning products industry.

For more information, read the full comments on ACI's website.