- ACI member sustainability challenge contributes to first large-scale Hygiene Bank in the nation
The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and its member companies have donated $20,000 to Simply the Basics, helping support the nation’s first large-scale Hygiene Bank. This contribution is the result of ACI’s annual sustainability challenge, ‘Our Future is Clean,’ which showcases how the cleaning products industry is reducing waste and promoting a cleaner future. The challenge kicked off in September and ran through October 24.
To participate, member companies designed sculptures using materials that would otherwise be wasted. Companies created sculptures ranging from practical solutions to creative works of art - all designed from reused or repurposed materials. Member companies and their staff posted on social media channels with the hashtag #OurFutureIsClean, sharing messages related to this year’s theme of reducing waste. Many of these actions directly support the industry’s ambitious sustainability goals.
A special congratulations to this year’s winning entry from IFF, earning the most votes in the #OurFutureIsClean challenge. The winning sculpture depicted a colorful macaw made from recycled cardboard and plastic bottles and caps.
As a result of reaching our goal, ACI is donating $20,000 to Simply the Basics, a nonprofit working to make hygiene more equitable and accessible for everyone.
"It is an honor to be selected by the American Cleaning Institute,” said Meghan Freebeck, CEO, Simply the Basics. “We share values of the importance of access to hygiene care, and this will better help us to reach thousands of families and individuals that would otherwise not have access to care! Thank you for supporting us and sharing in our Mission."
“At ACI, we’re proud to support programs that make a real difference in the everyday lives of individuals, families, and communities,” said Emily Trentacope, ACI Vice President, Sustainability. “Our partnership with Simply the Basics is an important way we’re turning our sustainability goals into meaningful impact.”
ACI thanks all participating member companies for their creativity and commitment to sustainability.
These creative projects reflect the industry’s ongoing commitment to reducing waste and supporting a more sustainable future.
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.