- Updated Publication Showcases Risk Characterization Framework to Inform Development of New Enzyme Products
- Guidance Document is Available for Free at cleaninginstitute.org
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and A.I.S.E., the European cleaning and hygiene products industry association, have released their most recent industry guidance on risk characterization in the development of consumer products containing enzymes. This updated guidance provides a framework for consumer product manufacturers to develop appropriate risk management strategies to avoid unacceptable risks to the users of new products containing enzymes. Guidance for the Risk Assessment of Enzyme-Containing Consumer Products is now available for free on the ACI website, cleaninginstitute.org.
Enzymes bring significant benefits to laundry and other cleaning products, including improved cleaning efficiencies. Enzymes are typically used in cleaning products to “break down” soils and stains on surfaces into smaller components to allow the detergent ingredients to remove them.
The updated guidance describes the potential health hazards of enzymes present in consumer products and provides a framework for manufacturers of these products to conduct risk assessments to help ensure the safety of new products containing enzymes. Experience in the cleaning products industry demonstrates that the potential risk of adverse effects can be successfully managed by identifying the hazards to be managed, carefully assessing exposure, characterizing the risk and then applying appropriate risk management.
If the risks are not managed appropriately, the consequences may spread beyond a single product or company. This could lead to unwarranted limitations on the use of enzyme technology in other consumer applications. Therefore, it is recommended that companies using enzymes consider how they are managing enzyme safety, including the conduct of appropriate risk assessments and risk management programs.
“With this guidance, we’re equipping the industry with practical, science-based tools to responsibly innovate with enzymes. It reflects our commitment to both consumer safety and regulatory excellence,” says Dr. Francis Kruszewski, ACI Senior Director, Human Health & Safety. “This publication provides strategies and methods that represent current industry best practices.”
Kruszewski, who was deeply involved in publication of the new guidance and its 2019 and 2005 predecessor editions, says “our goal is two‑fold: harnessing the performance and sustainability benefits of enzymes while maintaining the highest safety standards for consumer use.”
Alexis Van Maercke, Director General of A.I.S.E., added “Enzymes are a vital component in modern detergents, offering powerful stain removal at low temperatures, making them a key contributor in sustainable cleaning habits. A.I.S.E. is committed to ensuring the safe use of consumer products containing enzymes by promoting responsible practices and risk management throughout the industry.”
The intended audiences for the guidance document are toxicologists, risk assessors and product safety
professionals in industries formulating products containing enzymes.
About The American Cleaning Institute
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.
About A.I.S.E.
A.I.S.E. (https://aise.eu/) is the cleaning and hygiene products industry association. Based in Brussels, A.I.S.E. has been the voice of the industry to EU regulators since 1952. Membership consists of national associations across Europe, corporate members and value chain partners. Through this extensive network, A.I.S.E. represents over 900 companies supplying household and professional cleaning products and services across Europe. A.I.S.E. has a long history in leading voluntary industry initiatives that focus on sustainable design, manufacturing and consumption, product safety and safe use of products by consumers and professional customers.