The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently finalized revisions to the Safer Choice Standard, a program highlighting cleaning products prioritizing safety and sustainability. These updates aim to bolster transparency, strengthen product safety and ecological impact, and broaden the program’s reach.

Key Updates Relevant to ISSA Members:

• Sustainable Packaging Takes Center Stage: Reflecting the growing demand for environmentally responsible products, the updated standard emphasizes packaging materials in its revised criteria for Safer Choice-certified products. It now mandates using post-consumer recycled content, recyclable materials, or reusable packaging in the primary packaging of Safer Choice-certified products. In addition, the revised criteria prohibit intentionally adding PFAS to the primary packaging materials.
• Cleaning Services Go Safer: Acknowledging the importance of throughout-the-process safety, the EPA introduces a new certification program for cleaning service providers. Companies using exclusively Safer Choice-certified products for cleaning and DfE (Design for the Environment)-)-certified products for disinfecting will earn this recognition.
• Pet Care Gets a Safer Splash: The EPA has established stricter criteria for pet care products seeking Safer Choice certification. These revisions focus on ingredients with minimal risks to pets and the environment, ensuring the safety of both furry friends and their owners.
• Clarity and Transparency Reign Supreme: The EPA simplified the standard’s language, making it more accessible for both manufacturers and institutional and household consumers. These changes include clearer labeling requirements and readily available information on the Safer Choice website.

What These Updates Mean for ISSA Members:

• Stand Out in the Green Market: By adhering to the updated standards, ISSA members can distinguish their products as having a preferred environmental, safety, and health profile, tapping into the growing demand for green products.
• Compliance with Confidence: The clearer language in the standard fosters a smoother compliance process with these updated requirements and the Safer Choice Standards in general.

• Potential Differentiator for Cleaning Service Providers: Becoming a certified cleaning service provider will assist these companies in being recognized by EPA as being a “green cleaner”, help facilities meet their sustainability objectives, and may offer a differentiator for your services. It may also help ISSA members in the cleaning service sector when seeking government contracts.

Taking Action:

• Thoroughly review the updated Safer Choice Standard details on the EPA website (link provided in the references).
• Assess your product formulations and packaging materials to ensure alignment with the updated sustainable packaging criteria.
• Investigate opportunities related to the new certification for cleaning services using Safer Choice products.

By proactively adapting to the revised Safer Choice Standard, ISSA members can leverage the program’s growing recognition and solidify their position as leaders in the market for safe and sustainable cleaning products.

Resources:

• EPA Safer Choice Standard: https://www.epa.gov/saferchoice/standard
• Full Text of Updated Standards (including specific changes): https://www.epa.gov/system/files/documents/2024-08/epas-safer-choice-and-design-for-the-environment-dfe-standard-with-changes-in-green.pdf

For any specific questions or clarifications regarding these updates, don’t hesitate to reach out to Meché C. Ragland, ISSA Regulatory Affairs Manager for further guidance.