U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and U.S. Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL) are the inaugural recipients of the American Cleaning Institute’s (ACI) “Champion of Clean” Awards, which recognize leadership in advancing science-based policy, manufacturing innovation and public health.
Sen. Capito and Rep. Soto were recognized during ACI’s Centennial Celebration, held at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum on Capitol Hill.
As Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Sen. Capito has been a driver behind policies that allow Americans to benefit from cleaning product innovations and getting those products to market, while also working collaboratively with both sides of the aisle on improvements to unlock the groundbreaking potential of new chemistries for the cleaning products sector.
“The cleaning products industry supports good-paying jobs in West Virginia and across the country, strengthening American manufacturing and keeping families, schools, workplaces and communities healthy,” said Sen. Capito. “I am honored to receive ACI’s Champion of Clean Award, and I commend ACI’s work over the past 100 years to drive sound science, ground-breaking innovation and pro-growth policies that help manufacturers invest and compete here in America.”
Rep. Soto is a leading member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, where he has championed policies that support the cleaning products industry’s focus on circularity, sustainability, and recycling innovation.
“A strong cleaning products sector is absolutely essential for my district and the broader Orlando community. With our world‑leading theme parks, hotels, and venues for tourists, business travelers, and families driving millions of visitors to our city every year, clean spaces keep families safe and our economy humming,” said Rep. Soto. “During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the industry’s rapid production and distribution of hand sanitizer and soap played a critical role in protecting our communities and keeping essential workers safe. I am grateful to receive ACI’s Champion of Clean Award, and I look forward to continuing our work to support circularity, innovation, and supply chain resilience across the cleaning products industry.”
“Champions of Clean like Senator Capito and Representative Soto are crucial to the economy-driving success of our supply chain and its effort to deliver essential products that allow homes, schools, hospitals, workplaces and public spaces remain clean, safe and functional,” said Jennifer Abril, ACI President & CEO. “They stand out for their pro-science, pro-innovation policies in Congress, which enable the cleaning products industry to deliver on improving public health.”
The awards were presented as part of ACI’s Centennial Celebration, which marked 100 years of advancing public health, driving innovation and supporting the essential role of cleaning in homes, schools, workplaces and communities. As ACI looks to its next century, the Institute will continue working with policymakers at both the state and federal level to support science-based policies that strengthen American manufacturing and help communities thrive.
Event Photos
ACI CEO Jennifer Abril giving opening remarks
ACI CEO Jennifer Abril and ACI Board Chair Suzanne Carroll with Representative Darren Soto
ACI CEO Jennifer Abril and ACI Board Chair Suzanne Carroll with Senator Shelley Moore Capito
About the American Cleaning Institute
The American Cleaning Institute® (ACI – www.cleaninginstitute.org) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry®. 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.