February 8, 2024
(press release)
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The American Cleaning Institute, (ACI) the trade association for the cleaning products supply chain, issued the following statement in response to a proposed bill in New York City that would restrict the use of polyvinyl alcohol, (also known as PVA or PVOH), a water-soluble polymer used to make sustainable laundry and automatic dishwasher detergent packets. “The innovation of water-soluble films and laundry detergent packets is a sustainability success story. They help consumers safely use, dose and store the products, making chores easier to do for everyone, including those with disabilities. They can be designed for cold water wash cycles, reducing the footprint associated with heating water. “They are also compacted – delivering a better clean as well as reducing shipping costs and transport emissions. More than 50 years of published science, including extensive reviews by regulatory agencies from around the world—including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - have supported the environmental and human safety of PVA/PVOH (since the OH is the alcohol group when expressed in a chemical formula) for use in diverse industries. ACI also expressed disappointment with a campaign launched by the company Blueland to discredit polyvinyl alcohol use in detergents, despite decades of proof on safe use. “Once again we are seeing a disappointing and disingenuous misinformation campaign launched against polyvinyl alcohol use in products like laundry packets and automatic dishwasher tabs. And as in the past, the campaigners – led by Blueland – are relying on shoddy science and intentional distortions about this.” Background: Liquid detergent packets (also known as capsules, pods or packs) and automatic dishwasher tablets are used safely and effectively in millions of households every single day. They have grown in popularity because they provide a convenient way to deliver the correct dose of detergent for maximum cleaning efficiency, as well as enable more sustainable innovation. Detergent packets contain highly concentrated cleaning formulas encased in a water-soluble film which is made of PVOH. The campaigners’ previous claims attacking the safety and biodegradability of PVOH film used in detergents – in petitions filed with the EPA to restrict its use – were thoroughly rejected by EPA in 2023. Now the latest line of attack claims that traces of the chemistry are found in breastmilk. In addition, PVOH film does not contribute to plastic or microplastic pollution, nor does it persist in the environment or contaminate recycling. The grade of PVOH used in laundry capsules is specifically designed to completely dissolve upon contact with the water in the wash and biodegrade after it goes down the drain. 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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