The Evolution and Regulation of Cleaning Chemicals: A White Paper to Guide Buyers
How can buyers of cleaning chemicals find sustainable solutions that are also effective and safe to use. The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has published a White Paper designed to help: The Evolution and Regulation of Cleaning Chemicals.
Buyers and end users of cleaning chemicals want environmentally sustainable, safe and effective cleaning chemicals.
Environmental messages can be seductive, particularly when coupled with highly competitive prices. In the regulated arena of cleaning chemicals, it is difficult to produce products that are effective, have a minimal impact on the environment and are sustainable. It takes years of investment and testing to get the products right and clear the regulatory hurdles. It’s not surprising, therefore, that some organisations are looking for short cuts.
They argue technology is moving so fast there is no time for independent verification or regulation. Essentially, they are suggesting the need for some kind of environmentally sustainable solutions outweighs the need to know if the solution is indeed environmentally sustainable, if it works or how to use it to be certain it is safe.
Regulations, however, matter. They guarantee safety. They underpin transparency and ensure consistency. They provide a framework for comparison, so a buyer really knows if they are getting the product or solution they need. They also provide accountability, giving buyers a route to recourse if needed. In short, they underwrite an ethical approach.
The CHSA’s White Paper was written by Peter Thistlethwaite, Technical Manager – Cosmetics and Biocides at MSL Solution Providers. Peter is a Microbiologist and MSL Solution Providers offers an integrated regulatory and laboratory testing service. Its in-house accredited microbiology and virology laboratories provide a comprehensive range of standard tests, including efficacy testing against bacteria, fungi, spores, viruses, mycobacteria, legionella, and algae.
The White Paper explains the evolution of cleaning chemicals. It explains how testing systems with recognised methodologies were introduced to “to prove chemicals were effective but hand-in-hand they gave a way to remove fraudulent products, offering better protections”.
Peter explains in the White Paper, “Regulations are intended to ensure a cleaning product is safe for the user and the environment when used correctly. The aim of enforcing regulatory requirements is to ensure products on the market can be trusted and that the companies selling them maintain the highest standards of integrity.”
Peter continues: “Product innovation means testing and regulatory requirements in the biocide market are becoming more complex, and the costs to enter markets are rising. This is expected to lead to a rise in fraudulent products, bypassing or ignoring regulations. Many are making claims about safety and efficacy without the proper technical support from correct testing. They are also using eco-friendly language to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Buyers need to beware.”
@CHSACleaning
www.CHSA.co.uk
