November 19, 2008—The US Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Design for the Environment (DfE) Program recently announced its 2008 Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative (SDSI) Champions and Partners. The program recognizes environmental leaders who voluntarily commit to the use of safer surfactants in cleaning solutions. Safer surfactants are defined as surfactants that break down quickly to non-polluting compounds and help protect aquatic life in both fresh and salt water.
EPA’s DfE Program recognizes businesses engaged in the production or use of surfactants, as well as those involved in the purchase or distribution of products containing surfactants. Others, including not-for-profit organizations, may qualify through actively encouraging the use of safer surfactants.
SDSI Champions, the highest level of recognition, are recognized in the categories of: Chemical Manufacturers, Product Formulators, Retailers/Distributors, Institutional Purchasers, and Others.
SDSI Partners, recognized for significant accomplishments towards the use of safer surfactants, are recognized in the categories of: Product Formulators, Retailers/Distributors, Institutional Purchasers, and Others.
The DfE Program has identified safer alternative surfactants through partnerships with industry and environmental advocates. The program says these safer alternatives are comparable in cost and are readily available, and lists The CleanGredients database as a source of safer surfactants.
