Jun 15, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

American Cleaning Institute: Key Information on Laundry Packets for Caregivers

The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI) issued the following statement in response to a Consumer Reports article on accidents related to the use of liquid laundry packets:

Manufacturers of liquid laundry detergent packets are fully committed to reducing accidental access to these products, which are used safely by millions of consumers every day.

The Consumer Reports coverage serves to remind all of us to keep liquid laundry packets – and all household cleaning products – out of sight and reach of young children, as well as locked away for those adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and/or other forms of dementia.

Key Information for Caregivers

If you are caring for an individual who shows the signs or symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, all cleaning products, including laundry detergents, should be stored in a locked cabinet or a closet. For more information, visit the Caregivers Action Network or view safety tips for caregivers on the ACI website: www.cleaninginstitute.org/caregiver-tips/

ACI is also partnering with the Caregiver Action Network to share educational materials for their upcoming caregiver training conferences.

Additional resources are available on the website of the Alzheimer’s Association: https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-home-safety.asp

Background on ASTM Liquid Laundry Packet Safety Standard

ACI joined consumer advocates and manufacturers in developing a voluntary safety standard for liquid laundry packets, which was published in December 2015 by the standards-setting body ASTM International. The standard contains a strong set of label, package and product design interventions supported by science and research that are intended to reduce accidental exposure to liquid laundry packets.

It is important to note that, by the end of 2016, more than 99 percent of all liquid laundry packets shipped to retailers were in compliance with the ASTM standard. ASTM International has a process in place to monitor these interventions and determine their impact on reducing accidents.

Companies following the standard must include standardized warnings, precautionary statements and safety icons on the labels of these products; utilize opaque packaging to prevent visibility of the packets from the outside; and utilize package closure designs that challenge the typical strength, mental acuity or dexterity of a young child.

The laundry packet designs in the standard intended to deter access to the detergent include:

  • ensure packets withstand the squeezing pressure of a child;
  • include a soluble film containing a bitter substance;
  • use a film that delays release of liquid contents so the bittering substance takes effect.

VIDEO PRODUCERS: If you are interested in the latest broadcast resolution b-roll showcasing liquid laundry detergent packets with updated packaging and labeling, contact Brian Sansoni at bsansoni@cleaninginstitute.org.

The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry® and represents the $30 billion U.S. cleaning products market. ACI members include the 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 oleochemical producers. ACI (www.cleaninginstitute.org) and its members are dedicated to improving health and the quality of life through sustainable cleaning products and practices.