News & Updates

Revisions to the DfE Standards for Safer Cleaning Products

Specialty Chemical News & Product Updates

The EPA released a revised version of the Standards for Safer Cleaning Products in April 2011.

Formulators adhering to DfE standards or seeking to pursue DfE certification in the future may benefit from an overview of the revisions.

Specific updates include:

  • Ingredient Communication: addressing ingredient disclosure requirements – Section 3.8
  • Performance Criteria for all Products: detailing testing requirements to show product effectiveness – Section 4.2.1
  • Packaging Requirement: At least 25% attainment of one of six Sustainable Packaging Coalition goals (http://www.sustainablepackaging.org) – Section 4.2.6
  • Requirements concerning VOC or HAP containing and TRI listed products: Section 4.2.7
  • Flammability: Products must have a flash point at or above 60°C (140°F) – Section 4.2.8
  • Industrial Laundry Detergents: Providing information on the product’s potential to combust spontaneously – Section 4.2.8.1
  • Dermal Contact: Additional requirements for products involving prolonged dermal contact – Section 4.5
  • New Requirements for Enzymes and Enzyme Stabilizers: Section 5.11

Click here to access the full EPA document in PDF format

The EPA DfE program helps consumers and industrial and institutional purchasers identify products that have been screened against rigorous standards concerning certain environmental characteristics, including aquatic toxicity and biodegradability.

The DfE certification also enables formulators to partner with a credible 3rd party program and verify important attributes of their products.

For more information about the DfE program or to locate materials that are eligible for DfE focused formulations, contact us here.