Navigating the minefield of chemical products

REFLECTING ON the past, the world has transformed dramatically. From the days of having just four television channels to now having hundreds, and from dialling a 5-digit number to call my grandma to teaching her how to use emojis on WhatsApp, the pace of change is staggering. The company I work for, founded 105 years ago, has witnessed this evolution firsthand.

The driving forces behind these changes are evolution and innovation. These two concepts are intertwined: innovation fuels evolution, leading to continuous improvements. The cleaning industry exemplifies this relationship. From ancient water-based cleaning methods to the discovery of biocidal ingredients like phenols and chlorine in the 19th century, and now to sustainable resources and data-driven solutions, innovation has propelled the evolution of cleaning products.

Research into the effects of chemicals has advanced significantly. Our industry protects millions of people daily from disease, ensuring pleasant and hygienic living and working environments. When selecting cleaning products, should we opt for the newest innovations or stick with tried-and-tested solutions? The answer lies in both, but with a crucial caveat: validated data must support these solutions.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization recommended bleach solutions and alcohol-based hand disinfectants due to their proven efficacy. The chemical industry had ample data to support these solutions, leading to widespread production. More complex products, like QAC-based disinfectants, emerged later, but the initial response relied on well-established basics.

Innovation and emerging technologies must adhere to the same principles of data-driven results to inspire confidence. Reputable companies share comprehensive data behind their products, including safety data sheets, microbiological profiles, and supporting information. Transparency is key; when data is not readily available, it raises doubts. Intelligent customers scrutinize product labels and claims, ensuring data comes from reputable sources like UKAS-accredited laboratories.

Sustainability in cleaning products has become another challenging area. Companies often market products based on sustainability, posing a challenge for uneducated buyers. The CMA’s Green Claims Code provides six rules to navigate this landscape:

1. Be truthful and accurate.
2. Be clear and unambiguous.
3. Do not omit or hide important information.
4. Only make fair and meaningful comparisons.
5. Consider the full life cycle of the product.
6. Be substantiated.

These rules emphasize the need for clear, evidence-based claims. Terms like “eco,” “environmentally friendly,” “greener,” and “sustainable” require meaningful comparisons and data to validate their use. For instance, “environmentally friendly” suggests no harm or positive impacts on the environment, while “greener” requires a comparison to previous methods or formulations.

New EU legislation, the Green Claims Directive, addresses these issues by combating greenwashing, enhancing customer trust, and promoting sustainability. Companies must use clear, evidence-based criteria to substantiate environmental claims, verified by independent, accredited third parties. Transparent labelling and adherence to ISO14024 rules ensure only truly environmental products and claims reach the market. As a British company, these rules will apply to products exported to Europe and likely influence UK legislation within the next five years.

In conclusion, innovation is essential for progress, but it must be grounded in reliable data. Evolution and innovation work hand in hand, improving existing products and introducing innovative solutions. When making purchasing decisions, rely on data that meets your requirements and trust reputable sources. By doing so, you can confidently choose the best products for your needs.

Vikki Morris is environment & sustainability manager at Evans Vanodine, a CHSA member

For more information visit​ www.CHSA.co.uk