- Inaugural two-day event addressed EPA priorities, sustainability, extended producer responsibility, procurement and consumer-driven innovation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – June 17, 2026 – The American Cleaning Institute’s (ACI) initial Spark Summit provided leaders from ACI member companies with ideas, tools and connections to help them navigate the regulatory, sustainability and consumer trends reshaping the cleaning products industry.
Held June 11-12 in Cincinnati, OH, the two-day event drew more than 60 professionals from across the industry for sessions focused on Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) priorities, challenges related to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), extended producer responsibility, procurement, sustainability and shifting consumer expectations.
The program also included networking opportunities and discussions with senior industry executives on the business and policy forces influencing product development and market strategy.
The launch of the Summit came as cleaning product manufacturers and suppliers face a more complex operating environment shaped by evolving regulation, rising sustainability expectations and the need to build the next generation of industry leadership. ACI said the summit is part of its broader effort, during its centennial year, to support talent development and strengthen the industry’s long-term readiness.
“We created this summit with intention – for professionals who are building momentum in their careers and stepping into greater influence,” said Jennifer Abril, ACI President and CEO. “As our industry addresses rapid change across regulation, sustainability and innovation, it is important to invest in leaders who will help shape what comes next.”
Sessions explored how policy and market dynamics are affecting the cleaning products value chain, including presentations on sustainability, procurement and consumer behavior. Attendees also heard directly from representatives of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on key regulatory developments, including TSCA, and toured the EPA’s Andrew W. Breidenbach Environmental Research Center.
The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $60 billion U.S. cleaning product supply chain. ACI members include the manufacturers and formulators of soaps, detergents, and general cleaning products used in household, commercial, industrial and institutional settings; companies that supply ingredients and finished packaging for these products; and chemical distributors. ACI serves the growth and innovation of the U.S. cleaning products industry by advancing the health and quality of life of people and protecting our planet. ACI achieves this through a continuous commitment to sound science and being a credible voice for the cleaning products industry.