ACI supports addition of liquid laundry packets, dissolvable laundry sheets and microbial-based cleaners to EPA's Safer Choice and Design for the Environment programs, citing their environmental and health benefits

September 11, 2023 (press release) –

• Liquid Laundry Packets, Laundry Sheets, Microbial-Based Cleaners Should be Added to EPA Program, Says ACI

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) recommends new product categories be added to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) potential expansion of their Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) Programs.

The Safer Choice and DfE programs allow companies to get an agency-approved label if their products are proven to meet stringent health and environmental safety criteria. That label is used by consumers and helps to guide purchases made for schools and other institutions.

“ACI supports the addition of the following product categories to the Safer Choice and DfE programs: liquid laundry packets, dissolvable laundry sheets, and microbial-based cleaners.”

“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,” wrote Darius Stanton, Director, Regulatory Science and Innovation, American Cleaning Institute.

“By the Safer Choice Program expanding the certification to new product categories, it will continue to drive innovation within the cleaning/disinfecting/sanitizing industry and beyond and help consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment.”

Among the product categories’ attributes cited by ACI:

• Liquid laundry packets are an efficient and sustainable product category due to the decrease in raw materials and water used for product formulation. They also ensure that consumers are using the correct measurement of detergent because packets are pre-measured.


• Dissolvable laundry sheets eliminate water consumption and waste generation.


• Microbial-based cleaners are increasing across the U.S. due to the benefits microorganisms provide to cleaning uses, assist with odor mitigation and have the ability to clean deep cracks and crevices.

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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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