February 2, 2024
(press release)
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Pushing for more rapid reviews of critical and sustainable new chemistries for the cleaning products industry is one of the top imperatives for the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) in 2024, said Melissa Hockstad, President & CEO, during her ACI Convention “State of the Association” address. “We have heard loud and clear from our member companies that it’s nearly impossible to get new chemicals – including sustainable materials – through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) review processes,” said Hockstad. “We’re going to work harder than ever with our association allies to address this issue in Congress and at EPA to bring about greater ‘speed-to-market’ for vital cleaning chemistries.” In late January, a key Senate committee held an oversight hearing on EPA’s implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act and related delays for approvals of new chemicals. ACI and industry allies had earlier urged Congress to accelerate its review of EPA’s chemicals management policies. Hockstad also said ACI will work to ensure potential EPA risk management policies on the cleaning chemical byproduct 1,4-Dioxane do not result in overburdensome limitations of critical chemistry processes for the production of surfactants and other cleaning product ingredients. “We are working hard to provide EPA with needed data including occupational monitoring data and socio-economic impact analysis to inform forthcoming risk management rulemaking in 2025. We are also looking to maintain uniformity across the country with New York’s 1,4-Dioxane regulations while simultaneously working with the EPA on its approaches.” On the horizon: Work at FDA on Topical Antiseptic Ingredients ACI will also continue to be a key member of an industry team negotiating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its implementation of the Over-The-Counter Monograph Drug User Fee Program (OMUFA). “Our focus here is to ensure that there is a clear path to ongoing regulatory acceptance of topical antiseptic active ingredients,” said Hockstad. “ACI also wants to develop mechanisms for FDA to be more collaborative when providing feedback on safety and efficacy studies supporting GRASE determinations (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) for antiseptic ingredients.” Other priorities for ACI in the year ahead include: “Despite a challenging economic environment during the past year, I am optimistic about the strength and resilience of ACI and its member companies,” said Hockstad. “The fact that we experienced record attendance at the 2024 ACI Convention – with more than 1280 attendees – gives me great hope for a more prosperous year throughout the cleaning product supply chain.” 2023 Year In Review Video The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.
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