Sep 19, 2017   SOURCE: BusinessWire

American Cleaning Institute® Unveils PACKETS UP!™ Initiative to Further Educate Parents on Laundry Safety

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) is launching PACKETS UP!, a consumer education initiative with fashion critic and mom of two, Zanna Roberts Rassi, as part of its ongoing effort to help reduce the number of accidents related to liquid laundry packets. As part of its PACKETS UP! program, ACI launched an educational microsite, PACKETSUP.com, which offers resources to encourage safe laundry room practices. ACI, who works closely with industry manufacturers to equip parents and caregivers with information on the proper usage, storage and handling of these popular products, also commissioned a comparative survey to track trends and learn more about current laundry safety habits among parents with small children.

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PACKETS UP! Infographic (Graphic: Business Wire)

PACKETS UP! Infographic (Graphic: Business Wire)

PACKETSUP.com features insights from ACI’s 2017 laundry safety survey and offers free PACKETS UP! cling stickers. Parents can place these stickers in a visible location as a daily reminder to store laundry and other cleaning products up and away from children.

“While we’ve seen some positive momentum, accidents involving liquid laundry packets still occur and it is ACI’s mission to provide the proper educational tools to help prevent further incidents,” said Nancy Bock, ACI Senior Vice President of Meetings and Education. “The PACKETS UP! laundry cling and survey data serve as helpful reminders for safe storage and laundry habits to protect the delicates that matter.”

“As a mom, my number one priority is the well-being of my children,” said Ms. Rassi. “So even though my kids aren’t babies anymore, I’ve learned that the term ‘baby-proofing’ is more of a mind-set than an activity. I’m thrilled to work with ACI on this campaign and help remind fellow parents the importance of keeping all household cleaning products up and out of reach of kids and stop preventable accidents.”

This year’s study provides insights in the storage habits of parents with small children. While highlighting good behaviors to prevent accidental exposures, it also points to a need for further education. An infographic visualizing key data points can be found on packetsup.com.

Survey Highlights and ACI Laundry Safety Tips

  • 43 percent of families with children under the age of four reported that their children can see liquid laundry packets when not in use.
    • SAFETY TIP: Liquid laundry packets must always be stored up and out of reach of children – keeping them out of sight prevents them from even getting the thought of interacting with laundry packets.
  • 19 percent of families with children under the age of four reported storing liquid laundry packets on an open shelf
    • SAFETY TIP: Children should never have access to liquid laundry packets – storing them on the floor, counter, on top of the washing machine could still be in reach: children can reach or even jump higher than you might realize. Don’t give them the opportunity to get their hands on a packet.
  • 15 percent of families with children under the age of four allow their children to take part in loading liquid laundry packets into the washing machine drum.
    • SAFETY TIP: Like any household cleaning product, young children should never, under any circumstance handle liquid laundry packets, even when helping with chores.

To learn more about PACKETS UP! and ACI’s initiatives, or to request a free laundry room cling, please visit www.packetsup.com.

About liquid laundry packets and ACI’s educational safety initiatives:

First introduced to the North American market in 2012, liquid laundry packets have become increasingly popular among consumers nation and worldwide. However, these highly-concentrated detergent packets can cause serious harm if accidentally ingested or come in contact with the eyes. Since 2013, ACI has worked closely with industry manufacturers to equip parents and caregivers with information on the proper usage, storage and handling of these popular products.

About the American Cleaning Institute:

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 oleo chemical producers. ACI (www.cleaninginstitute.org) and its members are dedicated to improving the health and quality of life of consumers through sustainable cleaning products and practices. For more information visit cleaninginstitute.org.