What the Project Is
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) is at the forefront of advancing growth and innovation in the U.S. cleaning products industry. Established in 1926, ACI has continually helped enhance the health and quality of life for people while protecting our planet. This organization is dedicated to advancing public understanding of the safety and benefits of cleaning products and ensuring that its members can formulate products meeting the ever-evolving consumer needs. Through a continuous commitment to sound science and by acting as a credible voice, ACI supports a $57.4 billion industry that is fundamental to daily life… Surely, its legacy of integrity in the field is hard to ignore.
Main Benefit
Key figures and essential facts include:
- A $57.4 billion cleaning products industry
- Established in 1926 with decades of scientific heritage
- A 25-member Board of Directors setting strategic policies
- Various committees, subcommittees, task forces, and working groups executing programs
- Continuous co-authorship and support of research presented in peer-reviewed scientific journals
Advancing Public Understanding
The role of ACI goes far beyond product manufacturing – it strives to develop and share verified information about industry products with a wide community. From technical experts and policymakers to educators, health professionals, media, and everyday consumers, the institute reaches across a broad audience. This commitment helps maintain high standards in product safety and effectiveness, ensuring that information underlying public and regulatory decisions remains scientifically sound… ACI’s efforts have undeniably contributed to a better-informed public discourse.
Commitment to Science and Safety
At its core, ACI builds upon a foundation of rigorous scientific research to support its activities. The institute consistently prioritizes technical programs that reinforce a scientifically sound basis for judgments about products and ingredients. By co-authoring and supporting research showcased in trusted scientific forums, ACI not only improves the practices used by cleaning product manufacturers but also enriches the wealth of publicly available knowledge. This deep engagement in science ensures that the interactions of cleaning products with various environments are comprehensively understood and that safety remains a top priority, all while maintaining a transparent, evidence-based approach.
Supporting Community & Industry
ACI’s influence stretches across both public and private sectors by partnering with educators, health and safety professionals, medical experts, governmental agencies, and charitable organizations. These collaborations aim to educate individuals, families, and communities on the positive contributions cleaning products make in fostering healthy living environments. Cleaning products are essential in removing soils, germs, and contaminants from everyday life – from domestic settings to vast workplaces. By effectively cleaning, sanitizing, and maintaining hygienic settings, ACI’s initiatives underline the interconnectedness of public health, everyday life, and environmental care. The organization is dedicated to protecting the ability of its members to innovate while setting benchmarks in safety and sustainability.
Ensuring Environmental Stewardship
An integral part of ACI’s mission is the environmental safety of cleaning products. The industry strives to balance societal benefits while minimizing unnecessary impacts on both human health and the environment. This delicate balance extends throughout the value chain – from sourcing raw materials to production, use, and disposal. The institute provides the industry with the tools and guidance necessary to work towards lowering overall ecological footprints. Such sustainable practices help safeguard natural resources and encourage greener, smarter consumption patterns… In this way, ACI’s work not only supports immediate consumer needs but also champions long-term planetary health.
Project Impact
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Enhancing daily lives by ensuring health through proper cleaning
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Supporting safe cleaning practices that contribute to improved sanitation
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Driving continuous innovation across the cleaning products sector
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Contributing to healthier, cleaner urban and rural spaces
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Promoting sustainable practices throughout the entire product lifecycle
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Striving for minimized environmental impacts and supporting broader climate goals
Driving Sustainability Forward
ACI’s mission in sustainability is not only about meeting current needs; it is about enabling transformative improvements across the cleaning products industry and throughout its supply chain. By driving sustainability initiatives, ACI creates opportunities for members to make tangible progress toward reducing environmental impacts. The institute plays a crucial role in bringing together public and private stakeholders to facilitate collective actions that lead to better products and more sustainable processes. These initiatives provide the industry with the frameworks necessary for ongoing improvements in product stewardship and transparency. With an ever-growing science database and continuously refined assessment tools, ACI ensures that its legacy of trust, innovation, and sustainability remains a guiding light for the industry and the communities it serves… This ongoing commitment demonstrates a clear, unified pursuit of a healthier, sustainable future.
