Deciphering cleaning product labels is important to determine their suitability for various needs, according to American Cleaning Institute Senior Director of Sustainability Nathan Sell, who urges consumers to prioritize certifications over ambiguous marketing terms like "natural" or "clean" and adhere strictly to usage instructions. Additionally, those concerned with reducing their environmental footprint can opt for refillable products and items that are certified as plant-based, Sell says.

Consumers' growing pursuit of enriching shower experiences is inspiring soap and personal care brands to innovate with formulations that marry functionality with sensory delight. For example, Procter & Gamble's new Olay Indulgent Moisture Body Wash collection, with its dual-phased formula and distinctive scents, promises to deliver effective cleansing and hydration as well as elevate the overall showering experience.

A new report from S&P Global Commodity Insights predicts a 2.6% average annual growth in the industrial and institutional cleaners market from 2023 to 2028, with South Asia, China, Africa and Eurasia expected to exceed this average. The report identifies sustainability and consolidation as key trends shaping the industry.

Henkel is using Adobe's generative AI tool Firefly and digital experience platform Experience Cloud to assess data from its internal business platform and personalize consumer messaging at scale to reduce campaign costs and expedite campaign timelines, according to a company statement.

Proper hand hygiene is crucial, and Amy Milshtein weighs the pros and cons of two main types of soap dispensers: bulk and closed cartridge. Bulk dispensers are cost-effective and environmentally friendly, but they can become breeding grounds for bacteria, potentially transferring contaminants to hands even after washing, experts say. For this reason "they do require additional maintenance activities and practices," says Shari Solomon, president of CleanHealth Environmental.

Unilever has introduced Persil Wonder Wash, a new laundry detergent formulated for 15-minute washing cycles and packaged in fully recyclable PET bottles containing 35% post-consumer recycled content. The product, developed with cutting-edge robotics and AI, has a 20% lower emissions footprint, delivers water and energy savings of 30% and 60%, respectively, and outperforms competitors in odor and residue removal, freshness and fabric care, according to Unilever.

The Alliance to End Plastic Waste, with the support of Dow, BASF, ExxonMobil, Procter & Gamble and Shell, has unveiled a series of playbooks highlighting the success of the companies involved in boosting plastic sortation at the household level in Argentina, China and Indonesia. In this interview, AEPW's Nicholas Kolesch discusses recent AEPW-backed projects.

Policymakers around the world - and here in the United States - continue to discuss and establish new policies that will impact cleaning product packaging. Are you prepared? Join us Tuesday, June 11 - during ACI's Mid-Year Meeting - for an in-depth session covering the packaging discussions at the United Nations and among federal policymakers, as well as how technology is guiding consumers on how to recycle packaging across the nation. ACI members, register today on our website to take part in this and several other policy briefings, committee meetings and networking events June 10-12 in Arlington, Virginia. For more information, contact ACI's Meetings Department.

Experts from companies such as BASF, Clorox, Colgate-Palmolive, IP Specialities, ExxonMobil, Inolex, Ruby Bio, Sasol and Seventh Generation will be speaking at the 14th ICIS World Surfactants Conference, May 9-10 in Jersey City, NJ. ACI is a media partner for the event and our members can receive a special 10% registration discount. Just contact ACI's Membership Office for the discount code, then register for the conference immediately afterwards. We'll see you in Jersey City!