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

The discussion will take place on Tuesday 18 March at 12.15pm. 

Climate change is a complex challenge for all businesses. We need environmentally-friendly solutions that are effective, affordable and safe to use. The Cleaning

As sponsor of the CSSA Innovation Showcase, the CHSA will join the CSSA on Stand Number D55. Visitors will be able to find out about the CHSA’s six Accreditation Schemes and its rigorous Code of Practice. Together they guarantee “what’s on the box is what’s in the box. 

The panel will be chaired by the CHSA chair, Lorcan Mekitarian. It will comprise:

• Peter Thistlethwaite: Technical Manager - Cosmetics and Biocides at MSL Solution Providers. Peter is a Microbiologist with experience working in the cleaning & hygiene, cosmetics and water industries. His work involves testing and quality control
• Daisy Hunter: Sustainability & Innovations Manager, Jangro Ltd
• Nicholas Parrish: Wightman and Parrish, which was recently awarded a Gold Ecovadis Certificate and became a B Corp in November 2024
• Vikki Morris: Environment and Sustainability Manager for Evans Vanodine International PLC. Vikki is a Chartered Environmentalist and a Full Member of IEMA
• Chloe Andrews: Customer Sustainability Manager, Lyreco UK & Ireland. Chloe is a Certified Carbon Literacy Trainer and IEMA Registered Trainer. 

The Panel members will outline the key issues and take questions from the audience, helping buyers make sure they do not fall foul of exaggerated, vague or false environmental claims.

@CHSACleaning

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

Tel: 0800 243 919

Stand D55

Four bursaries will be awarded in September this year, following a tough selection process. The four successful applicants will each receive £6,000 during their university career. They will receive £2,000 at the start of each academic year or the first three years if the degree is longer. 

Attending university is financial challenging for many your people. The Bursary will help them engage fully in their time at university. They can use the funds for books and study materials, field trips, club memberships and taking part in the full range of social opportunities. 

David Garcia, Vice President of the CHSA explained: “We are extremely proud of our Bursary. Life is challenging for young people, particularly for those with the ability to attend university but not necessarily the financial resources. Our Bursary can be crucial. It can make the difference between simply surviving at university and being able to make the most of the wonderful opportunities on offer.”

The CHSA Undergraduate Bursary is open only to the children of employees of CHSA members. Applicants must be 18 years or over on 1 September 2025 and commencing their higher education studies this autumn.  They will be assessed according to need, worthiness, endeavour and overall performance. Each successful applicant will also bring something unique, their ‘x-factor’. 

Eligible young people need to visit the CHSA website and click on the link on the Bursary page. The form includes a 400-word statement. 

The closing date for applications is Friday 27 June 2025. Shortlisted applicants need to be available to meet the judging panel, to be led by CHSA Vice President David Garcia, in July 2025. The winners will be announced in early September. 

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

Tel: Tel: 0800 243 919

The CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes for Manufacturers of Soft Tissue, Plastic Sacks, Cotton Mops and Cleaning Chemicals and for Distributors mean buyers of these products can be certain they get what they pay for. ‘What’s on the box is what’s in the box.’ The credibility of the Schemes is underpinned by the auditing process, conducted by the Inspector. The Inspector audits each member according to the Manufacturing Standard and Technical Regulations of each Scheme, independent of influence from the CHSA’s Governing Council.

David Luffman is an experienced quality and technical manager whose track record includes working in the soft tissue and plastics sectors, most recently working as product development manager at Essity. He is taking over the role from Martin Yates. Martin has served the CHSA for 11 years, playing a pivotal role in building and maintaining the credibility and value of the Association’s Accreditation Schemes. 

Explaining why he has taken on the role, David said: “As a product and quality professional working in the sector I understand the value of the CHSA and the importance of the Accreditation Schemes to buyers of cleaning and hygiene products. The Schemes give them the confidence they are getting product that is fit for purpose and not short on count, or dimensions. It was an opportunity not to be missed.”

Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA said: “We are delighted David has taken up the role and will be working to make sure our members continue to comply with the specifications of our Schemes. He knows the market and understands the issues and so is well placed to help us continue to evolve the Schemes to meet new market challenges. 

“Martin Yates has made an incredibly important contribution to the CHSA. He has been instrumental in helping members maintain standards in our industry. We are grateful he will work alongside David during the handover period. It means our Accreditation Schemes will continue to offer buyers the confidence they need, uninterrupted. Our Standards, Your Guarantee.”

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

Tel: 0800 243 919

ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES in the UK continue to be difficult as the government looks for growth. This is potentially made much more complex by UK’s attempts to re-set trade relations with the European Union while developing a close relationship with the new US administration. Against this backdrop, how are cleaning and hygiene companies to capitalise on these opportunities? 

Sustainable solutions

Buyers and end users of cleaning and hygiene products continue to demand sustainable solutions. However, the commercial reality of limited growth and global uncertainty means it is not sustainability at all costs. Dealing with tight margins and demanding customers, buyers of these products will not compromise on performance, time or cost. This leaves them vulnerable to greenwashing as wafer thin, or even worse,spurious or meaningless green claims are papered onto products and services. We find labels like non-toxic, natural, and biodegradable on all sorts of products in our sector but unless they have clear definitions that include methodologies and criteria, they are unreliable.

Where there is a claim about environmental sustainability buyers need to interrogate it. They need to ask for evidence and independent third-party verification. Reputable companies will be happy to provide the verifiable evidence that supports their claims. They also need to look for companies that have signed up to the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code. The code sets out six clear criteria, including be truthful and accurate and be clear and unambiguous. Essentially it requires companies to be honest and transparent. We embedded the Green Claims Code into our Code of Practice three years ago. 

The companies that demystify sustainability and work collaboratively with their customers will be the ones who succeed for the long term. Those grabbing a quick headline with a seductive but unsubstantiated claim will fall by the wayside. To help buyers differentiate between the two, we are hosting a panel discussion at the Cleaning Show – Sustainability: Why Regulations Matter. The panel of experts will cover the latest regulations and guide buyers on what to look for.

Innovation in the market

In a mature market, where price is a key factor, innovation is the lifeblood. It’s not surprising it’s at the forefront for our members. Whether it is new dosing systems or formulations in the cleaning chemicals, new manufacturing techniques and materials in soft tissue and in plastic sacks, innovation is taking place everywhere. 

To be really successful, innovation needs to happen across the business, not just in product and service development. Our members are investing in new technologies such as distribution routing software to innovate their business processes. Getting this right is just as much a plus for sustainability as it is for customer satisfaction. 

Artificial intelligence

The industrial revolution transformed and mechanised manual jobs. It is now widely argued that artificial intelligence is set to transform jobs dependent on human intelligence. 

We are at the very beginning of the AI revolution, a revolution that may be about to be catalysed by DeepSeek, the low-cost Chinese AI model that requires far less processing power. New tasks are likely to be automated, productivity increased and smart factories, using intelligent machines and networks, may be able to significantly accelerate improvement. There is also plenty of potential to exploit AI in relation to sustainability and product innovation. A smarter industry will sit hand-in-hand with a more sustainable one. Capitalising on the potential is going to require a good understanding of current technologies and the vision to see how they can impact and transform our industry.

There are exciting times ahead for our industry, with some big opportunities for us all in 2025. To make the most of them companies will need to be informed, open-minded. They will also need to build substantive long-term relationships based on trust and transparency.

@CHSACleaning 
For more information, visit: www.CHSA.co.uk 

Tel: 0800 243 919  

Members achieved high levels of compliance, guaranteeing ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’.

Conducting the audits, the Independent Inspector checked over 1,700 labels and 1,000 products across all our Manufacturing Schemes. Within the Distributor Scheme approximately 31,250 products from Accredited Manufacturers and over 4,000 products from non-accredited manufacturers were checked. The latter were classified as compliant with the relevant scheme at the time of audit. 

Any member that falls below the required standard is issued with a warning notice. They are then re-audited to ensure the appropriate remedial action has been taken to maintain their membership. This occurred twice in 2024, and the members involved have now completed three consecutive successful audits.

Lorcan Mekitarian, chair of the CHSA, explained: “We offer buyers of cleaning and hygiene products an important guarantee. Our inspection process means they can trust our Accreditation Scheme Marks. It means the products that carry an Accreditation Scheme mark match the specification and are fit for purpose. ‘What’s on the box is what’s in the box.’  

“Our Schemes have never been more important than now. Our industry is incredibly competitive, and costs are going up. Customers want more for less. It has led to the growing trend for open pricing on the web and intermediaries promising products at incredibly low prices while paying little or no attention to quality and performance. Buyers are finding themselves facing the issues that drove us to set up our Accreditation Schemes first place: product short on the count, width or length, that does match the specifications on the box or, importantly, is not fit for purpose. The mark of the relevant Accreditation Scheme, which is underwritten by our auditing process, is the guarantee buyers can rely on.”

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. 

The CHSA has integrated the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code into its Code of Practice, which is signed by every member. It requires environmental claims to be truthful and accurate, clear and unambiguous, consider the full life cycle of the product or service, be substantiated and must not hide important or relevant information. Also, comparisons must be fair and meaningful. 

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

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

Tel: 0800 243 919

RUN BY our members for our members, there are about 200 manufacturers and distributors members of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association. These companies range from global multinationals to small independent businesses. We asked them for their opinions on thechallenges they face. Their answers provided an interesting perspective. 

Members said the top three challenges are regulatory compliance, the drive towards ethical and environmental sustainability and escalating demands from customers.

Regulatory compliance 

Regulatory compliance was particularly pertinent for members who manufacture cleaning chemicals. We recently teamed up with expert Peter Thistlethwaite, Technical Manager – Cosmetics and Biocides for MSL Solution Providers to produce a White Paper titled The Evolution and Regulation of Cleaning Chemicals. 

Going some way to explain why the challenge of regulatory compliance, in the White Paper, Peter wrote: “Regulations are intended to ensure a cleaning product is safe for the user and the environment when used correctly. The aim of enforcing regulatory requirements is to ensure products on the market can be trusted and that the companies selling them maintain the highest standards of integrity.

“Product innovation means testing and regulatory requirements in the biocide market are becoming more complex, and the costs to enter markets are rising. This is expected to lead to a rise in fraudulent products, bypassing or ignoring regulations. Buyers need to beware.”

Against this backdrop it is not surprising we are seeing more companies avoid the regulatory process, but it leaves buyers exposed. How are they to make sure they get what they need, safe, effective solutions. Our advice is simple. Ask the supplier for the evidence that backs up their claims. Reputable companies will be happy to share their test data and third-party verifications.

The drive towards ethical and environmental sustainability

More and more extreme weather events are taking place around the world. Climate change is real and present so it’s no surprise there is a push towards ethical and environmentally sustainability in our industry. Manufacturers and distributors want to offer sustainable products and services and buyers are demanding them. Disappointingly, however, members reported seeing more and more greenwashing, the unscrupulous making claims that are ill-defined, simply nonsense or lack any supporting evidence. Typical claims include 100% recycled content, chemical-free and non-toxic.

All these need to be challenged if they are to make any sense.

Members also reported the growing trend of greenhushing, whereby companies keep their environmental targets quiet. This is to avoid being held accountable if and when they don’t meet them. 

Escalating demands from customers

The cleaning and hygiene industry is incredibly competitive and the costs all businesses face are going up. Against this backdrop it’s no surprise customers want more for less. 

This has led to a growing trend for open pricing on the web and growing numbers of intermediaries promising products at incredibly low prices while paying little or no attention to quality and performance. 

The problem is buyers too often find themselves facing the issues that drove the CHSA to set up our Accreditation Schemes first place, in the 1990s: product that is short on the count, width or length, does match the specifications on the box or, importantly, is not fit for purpose. 

Our Accreditation Schemes are crucial here. The mark of one of the relevant Accreditation Schemes mark on a product guarantees ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’ and that it’s fit for purpose. 

@CHSACleaning 
For more information, visit: www.CHSA.co.uk 

Tel: 0800 243 919  

SDSs provide the information end users of cleaning chemicals need to make an appropriate risk assessment, as required by the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). They are essential and available, as standard, from reputable manufacturers and suppliers.  
 
It explains the SDS’s function, as stated by the Health and Safety Executive, is to “describe the hazards the chemical presents, and give information on handling, storage and emergency measures in case of accident.” The guide goes on to outline the content provided in each section.  
 
The intention is to help users understand what is to be expected in an SDS. The guide, and an SDS itself, are not a risk assessment. Full and appropriate risk assessments on the use of a specific product must be carried out using the information in the SDS.  
 
The guide is available on the CHSA’s website. For information on Safety Data Sheets and their interpretation, visit the Health and Safety Executive Website.  
 
 
@CHSACleaning 
For more information, visit: www.CHSA.co.uk 

Tel: 0800 243 919