Buyers and end users of cleaning chemicals want environmentally sustainable, safe and effective cleaning chemicals. The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) is helping with the publication of a white paper – The Evolution and Regulation of Cleaning Chemicals, produced by Peter Thistlethwaite, Technical Manager – Cosmetics and Biocides at MSL Solution Providers.

The White Paper explains the evolution of chemical disinfectants, which began with Arabs’ use of mercury as an antiseptic in the 4th century. It also highlights the importance of standardised test methods, which provided a way to remove fraudulent products from the market.

Buyers are increasingly confronted with undefined phrases like ‘non-renewable chemicals’, ‘chemical-free’, ‘natural’, ‘five times filtered water’, and ‘non-toxic’. In this context, regulations guarantee safety, efficacy and transparency. Yet some providers claim technology is moving too fast for regulation.

In his White Paper, Thistlethwaite says: “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. Many are making claims about safety and efficacy without the proper technical support from correct testing. They are also using eco-friendly language to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Buyers need to beware.”

Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association, said: “Buyers and end users need to be able to trust the product and sales and marketing claims. MSL Solution Providers are experts in regulation and testing of biocides. We teamed up with them as they are independent of the CHSA and to provide our members and their customers with the knowledge they need to make safe, effective and sustainable choices.”