The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled significant updates to its Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) standards, aimed at enhancing the transparency and accessibility of its certification criteria for safer products. These changes, highlighted in green in the revised document, reflect the agency's ongoing commitment to promoting safer chemical formulations and sustainable practices in the cleaning product industry.
Enhanced Transparency and Updated Criteria
The Safer Choice and DfE programmes, renowned for their rigorous standards in product safety and environmental protection, have undergone multiple revisions since their inception. The August 2024 updates focus on several key areas to ensure products meet the highest safety and environmental standards:
- General Requirements and Renewals: The updated standards emphasise the importance of detailed product and ingredient information. Manufacturers seeking certification must provide comprehensive data on their formulations, including all intentionally added ingredients, known residuals, and their specific functions. The renewal process for partnerships has been streamlined, requiring timely updates and compliance checks to maintain certification.
- Product-Level Requirements: The revisions include specific performance criteria for various product categories, such as window/glass cleaners, all-purpose cleaners, and carpet cleaners. These standards ensure that certified products not only meet safety and environmental benchmarks but also deliver effective performance comparable to conventional products.
- Ingredient Communication: To enhance public awareness and consumer confidence, the EPA now mandates more detailed ingredient disclosure. Manufacturers must list all intentionally added ingredients, using clear and recognisable nomenclature systems, and provide this information on product labels, websites, or through toll-free numbers. This move towards greater transparency aims to empower consumers to make informed choices about the products they use.
- Audits and Compliance: The revised standards reinforce the need for rigorous audits, including on-site and desk audits conducted by qualified third-party profilers. These audits ensure that manufacturers adhere to the agreed-upon formulations and processes, thereby maintaining the integrity of the Safer Choice and DfE certifications.
Addressing Substances of Concern
The August 2024 updates also place a significant focus on identifying and mitigating the use of substances of concern, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and other potentially hazardous chemicals. PFAS, often referred to as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment, are under increased scrutiny for their potential health impacts. The EPA's revised criteria now include stringent evaluation processes to minimise or eliminate the use of such substances in certified products.
Informed Substitution and Lifecycle Considerations
The Safer Choice programme continues to advocate for informed substitution, encouraging the transition from chemicals of concern to safer alternatives. The updated standards also introduce voluntary guidelines for lifecycle considerations, such as reducing carbon-based energy consumption and enhancing packaging sustainability. These guidelines align with broader environmental goals, promoting continuous improvement and innovation in product formulation and manufacturing processes.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The August 2024 revisions are part of the EPA's ongoing efforts to advance environmental protection through collaboration with industry stakeholders, environmental groups, and scientific experts. By setting stringent criteria and promoting best practices, the Safer Choice and DfE programmes aim to reduce the environmental impact of cleaning products and safeguard human health.
