February 7, 2005—The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) on January 27 formally unveiled its Principles for Sustainable Development, which symbolize the industry’s contributions to a “better world through health, hygiene, and wellness.” The principles collectively represent SDA’s stated purpose: “to enhance health and the quality of life through cleaning products and practices.”
SDA’s Principles for Sustainable Development:
- The members of The Soap and Detergent Association are committed to the enhancement of human health and quality of life through the responsible formulation, production, and sale of cleaning products and ingredients.
- The members of The SDA will strive to meet the following commitments to advance human health and environmental quality, social well-being, and economic growth. The Association will support its members in meeting these commitments.
Human Health / Environmental Sustainability:
- To only market products that have been shown to be safe for humans and the environment, through careful consideration of the potential health and environmental effects, exposures and releases that will be associated with their production, transportation, use, and disposal.
- To promote transparent communication of safety and handling information across the chain of commerce.
- To support basic research to resolve uncertainties around human and environmental safety when they arise.
- To obey the spirit and intent of all national laws and regulations.
Social Sustainability:
- To contribute to a better quality of life for our consumers, business partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate.
- To develop products and ingredients that effectively deliver claimed benefits.
- To promote the safe use of our products with the public.
- To support society’s efforts to enhance public health and well-being through improved hygiene and sanitation.
- To maintain a high level of product stewardship throughout the chain of commerce.
- To operate our manufacturing facilities with due regard to the health and safety of our employees, the communities in which we operate, and the wider environment.
Economic Sustainability:
- To contribute to economic growth, including the economic success of the industry’s shareholders, employees, and communities.
- To innovate to improve products both in terms of performance and environmental impact.
The Soap and Detergent Association is the Home of the US Cleaning Product and Oleochemical Industries, representing manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients; and finished packaging; as well as oleochemical producers. SDA members reportedly produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the US.
