The World View from ACI

Attendees at the Global Industry Update session during the American Cleaning Institute’s annual convention heard from association representatives from Australia, Canada, Japan, Europe and Brazil. Diverse cultures, but they all noted an increasing emphasis on regulation.

In fact, Craig Brock of ACCORD said his membership called “over regulation of low risk products,” the No. 1 problem facing the Australian household and personal care industry. Other areas of concern for ACCORD members include the high-value Aussie dollar, reduced consumer demand, profit margin squeeze and lack of clear political leadership. But Brock said he expects conservative Tony Abbott to become prime minister later this year. In other issues, ACCORD is working with the Personal Care Product Council to develop YouTube videos to promote the safety of their members products. In another initiative, ACCORD established a new website called www.furphies.org.au to debunk myths surrounding personalcare product chemistry.

Shannon Coombs, president of the Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association, explained her association has an excellent record of working with government, but added that several issues loom. First and foremost is an ill-conceived plan to eliminate VOCs from windshield washer fluid. Elsewhere, CCSPA is defending the use of triclosan in consumer products.

“We support sound science, due process for companies and effective communication,” said Coombs.

Shigeo Ishii of the Japanese Soap and Detergent Association noted that although detergent volume in Japan is relatively flat, value is increasing as more consumers opt for liquid formulas over powder formulations (58% v. 42%). He pointed out that the industry continues to reduce the amount of plastic it consumes as part of its voluntary refill and replacement program.

Sylvie Lemoine, A.I.S.E., pointed out that REACH continues to dominate the regulatory landscape in Europe. Currently, regulators are working on safe use assessment and documentation. In other news, a phosphate ban was harmonized and calls for 0.5g of phosphate per does as of June 30, 2013 and 0.3g per dose as of Jan. 1, 2017. Other issues being tackled by A.I.S.E. include new regulations for biocides that go into effect Sept. 1, 2013; fragrance allergans; indoor air quality and ecolabeling. Finally, A.I.S.E. continues its efforts to get consumers to wash their clothes in cold water.

Finally, Maria Eugenia Proenca Saldanha of ABIPLA/SIPLA said the Brazilian market for laundry detergent is $2.6 billion and growing 3% a year, with liquids accounting for 11% of the market.