CHSA tightens accreditation schemes to boost quality and sustainability in cleaning industry
The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has announced the tightening of its Accreditation Schemes for Soft Tissue and Cleaning Chemicals, introducing more stringent membership criteria to ensure enhanced quality, safety, and regulatory compliance within the cleaning industry.
Following unanimous decisions taken at the Schemes’ Annual General Meetings, members are now required to demonstrate adherence to a broader set of standards beyond confirming that ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’. This includes providing evidence of robust business systems and processes through recognised certifications such as ISO 9001 for quality management, ISO 14001 for environmental management, and, where applicable, ISO 45001 for occupational health and safety.
In addition, members must verify compliance with pertinent regulations such as the Detergent Regulations and the Classification, Labelling and Packaging regulation. Furthermore, companies are expected to substantiate any efficacy claims made about their products, thereby enhancing transparency and trust in marketed cleaning and hygiene supplies.
Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the CHSA, emphasised the importance of these developments, stating, “Our primary focus is to raise and maintain standards in our industry. In the context of the uncertain and complex economic environment we have seen an increasing number of companies cut corners to cut prices. In addition, the pandemic changed the market for cleaning chemicals as companies made all sorts of claims without evidence to back them up. This has continued and been accelerated by the demand for sustainable solutions. The changes our members have introduced to these Accreditation address these challenges. Buyers who look for the Accreditation Mark can be certain product claims can be evidenced, the company operates certified business systems and processes and ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’.”
The CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes, which cover manufacturers of paper-based, plastic-based, cotton-based products, cleaning chemicals, and distributors of cleaning and hygiene goods, provide a guarantee regarding product content and integrity. The association also integrates the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code into its rigorous Code of Practice, signed by every member, reinforcing commitments to ethical trading and sustainability.
Moreover, the CHSA has introduced a new ethical audit mandate applicable to all manufacturing facilities producing CHSA Accredited Products. By the end of 2025, these facilities must complete a ‘2 Pillar SMETA Audit’, which assesses labour standards, health and safety practices, working conditions, and the fair treatment of workers. The SMETA Audit, recognised by UK retailers and trusted by over 85,000 businesses internationally, aims to verify workplace safety measures and occupational health standards while promoting social and environmental responsibility within supply chains.
These changes are designed to enhance overall confidence in accredited cleaning and hygiene products amid a challenging economic landscape and growing demands for sustainability. The CHSA’s Accreditation Schemes remain open for applications and continue to offer an assurance to buyers that accredited companies operate with certified systems and practices and maintain the accuracy and reliability of their product claims.