Grief Encounter was named the CHSA’s nominated charity in 2019. Following this year’s donation the total sum raised for Grief Encounter is now £50,000. 

Grief Encounter supports grieving children, young people and their families to find hope, healing and build resilience following the death of someone close. The charity relies entirely on voluntary gifts. This donation provides valuable, much-needed funds for services including a dedicated Bereavement Support team, one-to-one therapy, group workshops, family support and therapeutic weekend residentials. 

Andy Watts, Head of Partnerships at Grief Encounter said: “The death of someone close is incredibly difficult at any age, but for a child or young person it can be devastating. It turns their world upside down and leaves them feeling fearful, isolated and utterly lost. This gift from the CHSA makes a huge difference to us, helping us to walk by the side of bereaved children and young people during their darkest moments. 

“The donations we have received so far from the CHSA provide the equivalent funding for 350 therapy sessions and a residential weekend for 15 families. Therapy helps children and young people explore difficult emotions openly and honestly and the residential weekend provides opportunities for young people to develop resilience and create meaningful friendships and connections.”

One child in every UK classroom will experience the death of someone close by the time they reach 16 years old. Studies have shown bereaved children can face long-term social and emotional difficulties if they do not receive the right support at the right time, following the death of someone close.

A young person who received support from Grief Encounter said: “Here [at Grief Encounter] I feel like I can open up slowly and let out my feelings bit by bit, without being forced to. I like it because it feels like they really listen to me. I feel much better, much more capable of sharing my feelings.”

Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA said: “Grief Encounter does an amazing job supporting children and young people through an extremely difficult time. We are incredibly proud to be able to support them in this work.

“We are very grateful to our members and their guests who attended our Gala Ball and our sponsors. Their contributions make it possible for us to support Grief Encounter.”

The 2025 Gala Ball was made possible by the sponsors: Greyland, Northwood, Polaris, SC Johnson and Vow Wholesale. The many organisations who donated raffle prizes also made it possible to raise such a significant sum for Grief Encounter.

For more information, visit www.chsa.co.uk

Discover more about Grief Encounter’s mission and impact at: https://www.griefencounter.org.uk/

Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA, said: “Carbon reporting is important for our members. It provides the information they need to support the move towards Net Zero but the process is complex. This guidance has been developed to help our members navigate these complexities.

“Our goal, as always, is to advocate an ethical approach. We are supporting our members to genuinely cut their carbon emissions and be transparent in the approach. This philosophy aligns to our Code of Practice and Ethical Marketing Commitment. Signed by every member, they require them to be open and honest in their business conduct and for statements and claims to be truthful and supported by evidence. This philosophy is at the heart of all we do.”

The CHSA’s guide on how to calculate the carbon footprint outlines a five-step process. 

• Step 1 is to understand the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol’s Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissionsand which elements are relevant to the business
• Step 2 is to find a third party to assist with the data collection and calculation. There are many tools available to ease the process of collection and calculation
• Step 3 is to collect the data
• Step 4 is to obtain independent verification of the data
• Step 5 is to use the information gather to create and deliver a carbon reduction plan.

The guide also explains the GHG Protocols Scopes 1, 2 and 3 and outlines a high-levelmethodology for data collection. 

The webinar focused on how to calculate and verify carbon emissions. Experts from Planet Mark, Nero and Interface explained the jargon, Net Zero and its importance, and Scopes 1, 2 and 3. They discussed how to gather the data and the associated opportunities and risks, and finally the value of verification. They also answered questions, which included who in the supply chain is responsible for calculating and counting which emission? What’s the right methodology for the calculation? 

The guide and the webinar recording are both available now on the CHSA website: https://chsa.co.uk/roadmap-to-sustainability

@CHSACleaning

www.CHSA.co.uk

TEL: 0800 243 919

The Bursary is open only to the children of CHSA members’ employees. 

Following a panel interview, chaired by David Garcia, Vice President and Treasurer of the CHSA, Ruby Burgess, Thomas Baker, Lottie Harrison and Rose Lewis were selected as the recipients.  

The four recipients will each receive £6,000 over the course of their university career, paid in three installments. At the start of each academic year, or the first three years if the degree is longer, the successful applicants will receive £2,000. 

Ruby Burgess is to study a BSc in Geography at Lancaster University. Her father works at Diversey UK. Thomas Baker, whose father works at CJS Portsmouth, intends to study a BSc in Plant Science at Cornwall College University Centre at the Eden Project. Lottie Harrison, whose grandfather works at Evans Vanodine, is to study Psychology with Counselling at Manchester Metropolitan University. Rose Lewis is to study a BA in Animation Production at Arts University Bournemouth. Her father works at Karcher.

Since it was first awarded in 2016 in its current form, 25 young people have benefitted from the financial support offered by the Bursary. It has made it possible for them to capitalize on the potential of all that is on offer at university. They have used it to pay for books and study materials, field trips and club memberships. 

Applicants were assessed according to need, worthiness endeavour, and overall performance.   

David Garcia explained: “The Bursary is incredibly important to the CHSA. We are very proud of the opportunity to give something back in such a tangible way. It is a delight to receive updates from the successful applicants, telling us how they are getting on and their plans and aspirations for the future. 

“Meeting these talented young people is always a pleasure but making the final decision is a challenge. The calibre this year was particularly high, making it harder than ever to reach the final decision. We debate and discuss before settling on the final winners, considering their commitment, determination, capability and, finally, the special x-factor. I wish we could award the bursary to them all.  We very much hope the final four, and all the applicants, enjoy their time and university.”   

For more information, visit www.chsa.co.uk

TEL: 0800 243 919

Q: What is the benefit of calculating carbon emissions? 

A: Calculating and reporting carbon emissions will show where your CO2 emissions come from and help you plan how to reduce your emissions; it is important for tackling the challenge of climate change and the drive towards Net Zero. Customers are increasingly demanding the data from their supply chains and often, reducing emissions can reduce costs.

Q: What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?

A: The Greenhouse Gas Protocol categorises a business’ emissions into Scopes 1, 2 and 3. Scope 1 covers emissions released directly from a company’s controlled assets, for example those from onsite industrial processes or company vehicles. Scope 2 emissions are those released indirectly from the company but within the company’s control. An example is the purchase of electricity. Scope 3 emission are indirect emissions out of the company’s control and account for around 70% of a business’ carbon footprint.

Q: Is there an industry standard checklist of exactly what should be measured for each scope of emissions?

The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol defines the Scopes and what they cover - https://ghgprotocol.org/tools-resources - but there is no comprehensive, universally agreed and accepted checklist.

Q: What is the international standard, and should I align to it? 

A: The international standard for organisational GHG quantification and reporting is ISO 14064. There are other schemes an organisation can align to, but supply chains are international and so alignment with and verification against ISO 14064 is likely to dominate and be expected by customers. 

Q: Are there standard methodologies for carbon calculation and reporting?  

A: There are many methodologies for calculating carbon emissions. The CHSA’s advice is to work with a consultancy able to adapt their approach to the needs of your business.

A variety of organisations will independently verify data, however verification via a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited body is the ‘gold standard’ in the UK.

Q: Which emission factor database would be recommended for calculating Scope 3 emissions?

A: It depends on where you are and what you're measuring. The Carbon Accounting Alliance is collaborating across the industry to produce guidance on which emissions factor databases are best for which use. A beta site is under development that will list a lot of the most common databases: https://wiki.carbonaccountingalliance.com/index.php?title=Portal:Emission_Factors 

Watershed (watershed.com) has published an emissions factors database, CEDA, for open-source use with attribution.

DEFRA (The Government Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) has published a set of emissions factors covering transport, materials, waste etc: https://ghgprotocol.org/Third-Party-Databases/Defra.

Q: Can you recommend any reference materials?

A: The UK Business Climate Hub is a good resource, designed specifically for SMEs. It is a Government supported portal: https://businessclimatehub.uk/become-a-net-zero-business/

SMEs can also make use of free carbon calculator tools, such as Clean Growth UK.

The EU has published guidance called Voluntary SME. It can be considered a sustainability standard. The UK is developing something similar - the SME Sustainability Data Reportingstandard. The intention is set out a consistent format and structure for reporting and so standardise the data being requested of SMEs by large organisations.  It is currently out for consultation: https://www.bankersfornetzero.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/From-Burden-to-Benefit.pdf.

Q: Can I compare one organisation’s carbon emissions to another’s?

A: It can be challenging to compare the carbon footprints of different organisations unless you are certain the measurement boundary and approach taken are the same or very similar. If one organisation is measuring emissions more robustly, overall emissions may appear higher when the reality is the other organisation is not measuring as much. Generally, the most practical is to focus on how an organisation is progressing against its own targets and measurements.

Q: Given the emphasis on reducing carbon, has there been any progress in comparing the carbon impact of biotech cleaning products versus traditional petrochemical-based ones?

A: Not to our knowledge. It is extremely difficult to compare carbon emissions across technology areas in this way because of the different methodologies used. 

The CHSA’s advice is evaluate the transparency of the organisation’s approach, the quality of the data, and whether the data has been independently verified. 

Lorcan Mekitarian is chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association

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

The CHSA operates Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers of soft tissue, plastic refuse sacks, cotton mops and cleaning chemicals. It also operates an Accreditation Scheme for distributors.

During the 83 Audits conducted in the six months to 30 June 2025, the Inspector reviewed a total of 20,780 product lines in the Accreditation Scheme for distributors.  Across the Schemes for soft tissue, plastic sacks and cotton mops, 926 product labels were checked, and 687 individual products were tested. 

The labels are checked to ensure they indicate the manufacturer to enable tracing and accurately represent the contents of the packaging so buyers can be certain’ what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. 

Depending on the Accreditation Scheme, the product checks involve confirming the sheet count, width, duty, weight and performance of the product. The Inspector also assesses members’ quality assurance procedures. Members of the Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers of soft tissue, plastic sacks and cotton mops achieved up to 86.2% compliance with product standards, reflecting a strong performance across all categories. For distributors the Inspector confirms that where product falls within the scope of an Accreditation Scheme, it is either from a CHSA Accredited Manufacturer or conforms to the specification of the relevant scheme. 79% of relevant products were found to be from Accredited Manufacturers. 

In addition to the product and label checks, the Inspector now also seeks evidence of a SMETA Audit (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) from manufacturing members or their suppliers who have completed the process in advance of the end of year deadline for having this process in place. 

Nicky Biggart, chair of the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes, explained: “Our Accreditation Schemes offer buyers of cleaning and hygiene products the guarantee that ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. They also underpin quality and efficacy.

“The inspection process is fundamental to this guarantee. It provides buyers with evidence they need to trust the CHSA Accreditation Scheme Mark.”

In the small number of instances where product was found not to meet the relevant Scheme Standard or Technical Regulations, the Inspector raised a ‘product of concern’. Working closely with the manufacturer or distributor involved, the Inspector has supported those members to address the issue within a specified time frame. 

Every CHSA member is required to sign the CHSA’s rigorous Code of Practice, which includes the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code. 

The combination of the Code of Practice and Accreditation Scheme membership means every member:

• Trades ethically and sustainably;
• Provides supporting information for claims made;
• Provides quality, fit for purpose products; and
• Makes sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box.

@CHSACleaning

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

TEL: 0800 243 919

The CHSA operates Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers of soft tissue, plastic refuse sacks, cotton mops and cleaning chemicals. It also operates an Accreditation Scheme for distributors.

During the 83 Audits conducted in the six months to 30 June 2025, the Inspector reviewed a total of 20,780 product lines in the Accreditation Scheme for distributors.  Across the Schemes for soft tissue, plastic sacks and cotton mops, 926 product labels were checked, and 687 individual products were tested. 

The labels are checked to ensure they indicate the manufacturer to enable tracing and accurately represent the contents of the packaging so buyers can be certain’ what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. 

Depending on the Accreditation Scheme, the product checks involve confirming the sheet count, width, duty, weight and performance of the product. The Inspector also assesses members’ quality assurance procedures. Members of the Accreditation Schemes for manufacturers of soft tissue, plastic sacks and cotton mops achieved up to 86.2% compliance with product standards, reflecting a strong performance across all categories. For distributors the Inspector confirms that where product falls within the scope of an Accreditation Scheme, it is either from a CHSA Accredited Manufacturer or conforms to the specification of the relevant scheme. 79% of relevant products were found to be from Accredited Manufacturers. 

In addition to the product and label checks, the Inspector now also seeks evidence of a SMETA Audit (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) from manufacturing members or their suppliers who have completed the process in advance of the end of year deadline for having this process in place. 

Nicky Biggart, Chair of the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes, explained: “Our Accreditation Schemes offer buyers of cleaning and hygiene products the guarantee that ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. They also underpin quality and efficacy.

“The inspection process is fundamental to this guarantee. It provides buyers with evidence they need to trust the CHSA Accreditation Scheme Mark.”

In the small number of instances where product was found not to meet the relevant Scheme Standard or Technical Regulations, the Inspector raised a ‘product of concern’. Working closely with the manufacturer or distributor involved, the Inspector has supported those members to address the issue within a specified time frame. 

Every CHSA member is required to sign the CHSA’s rigorous Code of Practice, which includes the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code. 

The combination of the Code of Practice and Accreditation Scheme membership means every member:

• Trades ethically and sustainably;
• Provides supporting information for claims made;
• Provides quality, fit for purpose products; and
• Makes sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box.

It makes it possible to understand the base line and identify the options for change. Then they provide the information needed to track and evidence a reduction. It sounds simple but, as Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) observes, building an understanding of emissions in the detail required is complex. 

The process begins with understanding Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol categorises emissions according to the different aspects of the business and has defined Scopes 1, 2 and 3. Accurately measuring and reporting emissions across these three scopes gives businesses a better understanding of their environmental impact. 

Scopes 1 and 2 are those emissions controlled by the company. Scope 1 covers those emissions released directly from a company’s controlled assets. This could be combustion of fuels for heating or company vehicles, or it could be the emissions released from industrial processes onsite. Scope 2 emissions are those released indirectly from the company, for example through the purchasing of electricity for office spaces. Finally, Scope 3 emission are indirect emissions and account for around 70% of a business’ carbon footprint. These emissions occur in the value chain, including both upstream and downstream. Examples of upstream emission origins are purchased goods and services, waste management, and transportation and distribution from suppliers. Downstream emissions can originate from transportation and distribution to customers, leased assets, and end-of-life of sold goods.

Our members can find plenty of information about Scopes 1, 2 and 3 on the internet and elsewhere but it’s much less clear about what to count and how. Who in the supply chain is responsible for calculating and counting which emission? What sits with the manufacturer, distributor or end user? Is it a problem if the same carbon emissions are counted by more than one organisation? What’s the right methodology to use for the calculations? Can the carbon emissions of different products from one manufacturer be compared? Can the emissions of a product from one manufacturer be compared with product from another?

The key is to go back to basics and remember the purpose of carbon reporting. In the drive towards Net Zero, the primary goal for any organization counting their emissions to reduce them. It is the direction of travel that matters, not establishing some sort of absolute total of the quantity of carbon emissions. This means it does not matter if some emissions are counted by more than one organization. For example, when it comes to the emissions involved in transporting product from the manufacturer to the distributor it is more useful thatboth count them and so have the data they need to look for reductions.

The plethora or methodologies makes it impossible to compare products from different organisations. There is no consistency between what and how they count so one product sourced internationally might appear to have lower emissions when compared to something manufactured in the UK. Drill down, though, and you could quickly find that the transport from overseas has not been included so the comparison is false. Comparing products from one organization is likely to be valid because it’s reasonable to assume the methodology used by that organization is consistent across all its products.

At the CHSA, we do not advocate one methodology over another. Instead, as always, our goal is to advocate an ethical approach. We are supporting our members to genuinely cut their carbon emissions and be transparent in the approach they are taking in the process. This philosophy aligns to our Code of Practice and Ethical Marketing Commitment. Signed by every member, they require them to be open and honest in their business conduct and for statements and claims to be truthful and supported by evidence. This philosophy is at the heart of all we do.

Lorcan Mekitarian is chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association

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

As well as guaranteeing ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’, members of these Schemes have now also committed to adhering to quality, environment, health and safety, and regulatory standards. 

The changes were introduced following unanimous decisions taken at the Scheme Annual General Meetings by members to tighten the entry criteria to these CHSA Accreditation Schemes.

Specifically, members of these Schemes will now have to provide evidence of business systems and processes through certification, such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 where relevant. They will also have to evidence compliance with regulations such as the Detergent Regulations and the Classification, Labelling and Packaging regulation where relevant, and evidence efficacy claims.

Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA, explained: “Our primary focus is to raise and maintain standards in our industry. In the context of the uncertain and complex economic environment we have seen an increasing number of companies cut corners to cut prices. In addition, the pandemic changed the market for cleaning chemicals as companies made all sorts of claims without evidence to back them up. This has continued and been accelerated by the demand for sustainable solutions. The changes our members have introduced to these Accreditation address these challenges. Buyers who look for the Accreditation Mark can be certain product claims can be evidenced, the company operates certified businesses systems and processes and ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’.”

These, and all the CHSA’s Accreditation Scheme are now open for applications. 

This change follows the CHSA’s introduction of an ethical audit requirement. Thischange was unanimously supported by all manufacturing scheme members at theirrecent Annual General Meetings. All manufacturing facilities producing CHSA Accredited Product must now have a ‘2 Pillar SMETA Audit’ completed by the end of 2025. It covers labour standards and health and safety, working conditions and the fair treatment of workers. The workplace safety measures and occupational health standards will also be assessed. 

The ethical audit is known as a SMETA Audit (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit, which has been used by UK retailers for many years to monitor their supply chains. More than 85,000 businesses from across the world have made Sedex their trusted partner in creating a more socially and environmentally sustainable supply chain.

The CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes are for manufacturers of paper-based products, plastic-based products, cotton-based products, and cleaning chemicals, and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products. They guarantee ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’.

The CHSA has integrated the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code into its rigorous Code of Practice, which is signed by every member. 

The combination of the Code of Practice and Accreditation Scheme membership means every member:

• Trades ethically and sustainably;

• Provides quality, fit for purpose products; and

• Makes sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box.

@CHSACleaning

www.CHSA.co.uk

Tel: 0800 243 919

DONALD TRUMP'S tenancy in the White House and his commitment to tariffs has upended the commercial world as we knew it. Uncertainty is here. The future is much less predictable. Costs in supply chains will increase, markets outside the US may be flooded with product now too expensive to sell there, investment is likely to decline, and innovation may drop off as business hold their breath waiting to see what happens next. 

In this complex and challenging environment, it is easy to lose focus on ethics. Operating responsible and environmentally sustainable business practices can seem like a cost that can be cut but now, more than ever, it is crucial. An ethical approach to business builds trust and reputation. It can also be a powerful motivator, fostering loyalty and commitment amongst employees. Ultimately it underpins long term relationships that generate a better financial performance. 

Businesses committed to ethical practices will promote fair labour practices. They will adhere to national and international laws and respect human rights. They will be aware of their environmental footprint, aiming to reduce it and tread lightly. Importantly, as a buyer, you can trust them not to cut important corners. 

Maintaining an ethical business

To make sure you work with ethical businesses you need to look beyond your immediate supplier. The whole supply chain matters. Do your supplier’s suppliers have ethically and environmentally sustainable business practices? How can you know?

Our advice is to seek third party certification. It’s why we have introduced a new requirement for all manufacturers of CHSA Accredited Product to have a SMETA (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit) Audit. In addition, if a distributor member purchases from a non-Accredited manufacturer, that manufacturer is also expected to be registered with Sedex and provide proof of their Sedex compliance. 

Supply chain data

Sedex is a global technology company that specialises in data, insights and professional services to empower supply chain sustainability. They offer supply chain due diligence and continuous improvement at scale, translating international principles into practical activities. The organisation has over 20 years’ expertise, its community comprising over 85,000 businesses and 104,000 supply chain sites of employment/work, across 180 countries and 35 sectors globally.

We were delighted when our members unanimously backed the commitment to Sedex at their recent Annual General Meetings. The minimum requirement we have set is a ‘2 Pillar SMETA Audit’, which covers labour standards and health and safetyat the factories manufacturing CHSA Accredited products. Compliance with labour laws, working conditions and the fair treatment of workers will be evaluated, and the workplace safety measures and occupational health standards will be assessed. The audit needs to be carried out by the end of 2025.

We have also just introduced commitment to ethical marketing, which is being signed by every member. By doing so they commit to adhering to four ethical principles:

1. All statements and claims are truthful.

2. Supporting evidence, such as data sheets, reports and certificates is available on request to substantiate all product and service claims.

3. All statements and claims are transparent. For example, it is clearly indicated if the claim applies to the product, the packaging or both.

4. All statements and claims are meaningful. For example, the term eco-friendly must be defined in relation to all aspects of the product and substantiated across the full lifecycle. 

The introduction of the SMETA Audit and our Ethical Marketing Commitment follow the integration of the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code into ourrigorous Code of Practice, which is signed by every member. 

The combination of the Code of Practice and Accreditation Scheme membership means every member:

• Trades ethically and sustainably;

• Provides quality, fit for purpose products; and

• Makes sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box.

Lorcan Mekitarian is chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association

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

@CHSACleaning

The change was unanimously supported by all manufacturing scheme members at their recent Annual General Meetings. 

The ethical audit is known as a SMETA Audit (Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit, which has been used by UK retailers for many years to monitor their supply chains. More than 85,000 businesses from across the world have made Sedex their trusted partner in creating a more socially and environmentally sustainable supply chain. 

The new requirement applies to all members of the CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes for Manufacturers of Soft Tissue, Plastic Sacks, Cotton Mops and Cleaning Chemicals. The minimum requirement will be a ‘2 Pillar SMETA Audit’, which covers labour standards and health and safety at the factories manufacturing CHSA Accredited Products. Compliance with labour laws, working conditions and the fair treatment of workers will be evaluated, and the workplace safety measures and occupational health standards will be assessed. The audit needs to be carried out by the end of 2025.

Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA, explained: “Our members are committed to adhering to the highest standards in the practice of their businesses. The introduction of the ‘2 Pillar SMETA Audit’ into our inspection process was a natural step, and one our members wholeheartedly supported at their recent AGMs. We are delighted to offer this additional peace of mind to buyers and end users of cleaning and hygiene products.” 

The CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes are for manufacturers of paper-based products, plastic-based products, cotton-based products, and cleaning chemicals, and for distributors of cleaning and hygiene products. They guarantee ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’.

The CHSA has integrated the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code into its rigorous Code of Practice, which is signed by every member. 

The combination of the Code of Practice and Accreditation Scheme membership means every member:

• Trades ethically and sustainably;
• Provides quality, fit for purpose products; and
• Makes sure what’s on the box is what’s in the box.

@CHSACleaning

www.CHSA.co.uk

Tel: 0800 243 919