By Owen Caine, Executive Vice President, Government Relations & Public Policy, HCPA

Last week, many of us in the household and commercial products industry were able to witness something that is far too rare in Washington. We saw a large coalition of businesses, non-profits and government-related entities come together to discuss the future of a government program they all steadfastly support, the U.S. EPA’s Safer Choice program. The Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA) was honored to cohost the 2018 Safer Choice Partner & Stakeholder Summit with the EPA, bringing together a large and diverse group of stakeholders to guide the future of the program.

For those who don’t know, the Safer Choice program is a voluntary accreditation run through the EPA that certifies less-hazardous formulations of cleaning products. This program has been a huge success, providing safer and healthier products to consumers and workers, while sparking innovation among formulators and marketers. To date, there are over 500 companies and 2,500 products that participate in the program. But the work isn’t done yet.

Together, we must help the Safer Choice program see its way through a still very challenging political landscape, budgetary constraints, and the ever-present problem of the program’s under-recognized logo and brand. The first two of these issues will certainly be worked out over time through increased education, but consumer brand recognition is the largest opportunity for growth within the Safer Choice label and can only be expanded through a focused, concerted effort by all stakeholders. We all need to spread the word on what this brand means and why consumers, workers, and procurement officers from multiple verticals should look for the Safer Choice logo when they are choosing products.

HCPA was honored to cohost this summit for several reasons. First and foremost, it is a program that we always have, and always will support. Why? Because the program highlights the ongoing efforts of HCPA member companies to drive product innovation and respond to increasing consumer demands for greater transparency—which continues to lead to newer, cleaner, greener, and more sustainable products.

Secondly, HCPA needs the help of all the Safer Choice stakeholders to ensure the bright future of the program that we envision.

Lastly, HCPA always believes that decisions can’t and shouldn’t be made in a vacuum. Conversations should take place between all interested parties to ensure that this program continues to thrive and enjoy broad support. The free exchange of ideas is paramount and will always be a cornerstone of Safer Choice. We applaud the EPA employees that run the Safer Choice program for their continued engagement with stakeholders, and we are very proud to be a part of it.

HCPA encourages everyone to spread the word on this important program, to raise awareness of what the Safer Choice logo really means about the products bearing it, and to help the program continue to grow for the benefit of consumers and workers.

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