How ACI Is Working for You

From regulations to public outreach to sustainability, the American Cleaning Institute has its irons in the fire on a range of issues, and convention attendees got a snapshot of these myriad activies during a issues briefing session.


First up, was Donna Hillebold, AkzoNobel Surface Chemistry, who reported on developments in research, technology and regulation (RTR). The ingredient inventory was completed in September, 2012 and now the group is compiling hazard information. In the future, RTR will develop exposure and screening level risk assessments, according to Hillebold.


Jason Grev of Ecolab, in a review of 2012 government activities, noted that Maine, Washington and Minnesota enacted chemical management programs. This year, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachussetts, Michigan, Oregon, New York and Vermont are all considering similar legislation.


A sustainability update was provided by Martin Wolf of Seventh Generation. Last year, 24 member companies, representing 82% of ACI’s dues base, took part in the sustainability metrics program. The committee is reviewing the preliminary report and expects to issue a full report to membership this month.


Brian Del Buono of Sun Products noted there is widespread effort by federal and state governments and NGOs to force companies to reveal confidential business information. He noted that industry has been proactive regarding CBI via the Consumer Voluntary Ingredient Communication Initiative.


The food v. fuel debate continues to be an area of interest to the cleaning industry, explained Dale Steichen of AkzoNobel. Most recently, the Fiscal Cliff agreement in Congress provided biodiesel credit for 2012 and 2013. Still, industry continues to work on Capitol Hill to restore free market pricing.


Finally, Catharine de Lacy of The Clorox Company, provided an overview of international activity at ACI. In fact, ACI led the development of industry positions advanced by the US Council for International Business at the UN’s International Conference on Chemicals Management.