Clean Thinking - It is through its Agenda for Responsible and Sustainable Cleaning that the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E.) pursues the industry's vision to "benefit society by contributing to the sustainable improvement of the quality and comfort of life." This agenda is supported by two pillars of industry activity: the development and promotion of industry voluntary initiatives and active contribution to legislative and regulatory developments.

Health and safety have long been top priorities for A.I.S.E., and one of the association's key focuses is to work constructively with all stakeholders on regulatory issues affecting the industry. This is to ensure that these policy areas are adequately developed and implemented. As manufacturers of soaps, detergents and maintenance products, A.I.S.E.'s members are downstream users of chemicals, which means that most legislation of relevance to the chemical industry is also important to A.I.S.E. EU legislative activities of particular importance include securing an effective and workable implementation of Reach; an appropriate adaptation of the Globally Harmonized System for classification, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures in Europe; and the successful development and adoption of the biocides regulation.

Important Initiatives

The group also believes that it has an important role to play in driving mainstream changes towards more sustainable consumption and production patterns. Over the course of the last 12 years, a number of initiatives have been developed by the industry in these domains, addressing the majority of the market, and thus, leading to substantial environmental and sustainable savings.

A.I.S.E. welcomed in July 2008 the publication of the European Commission's action plan on sustainable consumption and production/sustainable industrial policy (SCP/SIP). The series of proposals are designed to improve the environmental performance and use of products. The action plan also clearly recognizes the value of the role played by self-regulatory voluntary industry initiatives. The SCP/SIP in this light confirms the relevance of the various projects/campaigns led proactively by A.I.S.E.; it also provides a perfect framework for these initiatives. In this context, A.I.S.E. is also involved, in particular, on the revision of the Ecolabel criteria for its products, Green Public Procurement for the Industrial and Institutional market sector and the Retail Forum.

Examples of Industry Projects That Embody Best Practice

Launched in 2005, the Charter for Sustainable Cleaning aims to drive both industry and consumers towards more sustainable production and consumption patterns. It provides industry with the opportunity to implement sustainability procedures across the life-cycle, with independent verification and to report progress on a set key performance indicators (KPI) that measure economic, social and environmental aspects. The Charter covers a wide variety of activities and initiatives ranging from human and environmental safety of chemicals and products to eco-efficiency, occupational health and safety, resource use and consumer information. Charter members now total 104 companies, which represents more than 80% of the total production of soaps, detergents and maintenance products in Europe. Other sectoral initiatives include the Laundry Sustainability Projects (LSPs), which aim to reduce the impact of laundry detergents on the environment by compacting products (washing powders and liquids) meaning that fewer resources are consumed (packaging, waste, CO₂).

Engaging with the Consumer and Working Together

In the same way that industry takes forward sustainable production measures by ensuring more sustainable use of resources, consumers also have a key role to play in lowering the environmental burden by changing their behavior and following the advice on sustainable use of products. Voluntary industry initiatives such as Save Energy and Water, which encourage consumers to use the 55°C or 50°C temperature wash-cycle on automatic dishwashing and Washright, which conveys tips to consumers on "saving water, energy and money" industry illustrates that sustainability is a shared responsibility between manufacturers and consumers. They also build on the Charter and LSPs.

In 2008, A.I.S.E., in conjunction with Cefic, developed a multilingual, user-friendly website which now reaches out to 345 million consumers in Europe. The site, www.cleanright.eu, sets a new standard for depth of information, transparency and interaction with consumers and stakeholders.
A.I.S.E continues to seek opportunities for dialogue with stakeholders at European and national levels to learn and share best practices on sustainability. Since 2009 A.I.S.E. has participated in the EU Retail Forum. This forum allows retailers, public authorities, civil society organizations and industry to engage in discussions on how to go about achieving sustainable consumption patterns and how to promote these to consumers.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Looking ahead to 2010 and onwards, the industry will build on the success of the Charter for Sustainable Cleaning with the proposed upgrade of the Charter. The forthcoming Charter scheme will complement current company sustainability procedures by addressing stakeholders' demands and adding a product dimension intended for products meeting a range of advanced sustainability parameters. The new version of the Charter will be rolled out from mid-2010.

It is through voluntary industry actions such as this one and others that A.I.S.E. can encourage consumers and manufacturers, alike, to modify their attitudes towards consumption and production of products, and at the same time assist them in delivering best practice and savings.

About A.I.S.E
The International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance products, A.I.S.E, is a well-established industry association. With more than 50 years existence, it has a strong network covering 42 countries and representing the vast majority of this market through the 900 affiliated companies. Whether it is laundry detergent, hand soap or floor cleaners, the products made by A.I.S.E.'s member companies are used every day in homes, schools, offices and other public places, delivering cleanliness and hygiene for millions of people.