International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products

The representative of the soap, detergent and maintenance products industry in Europe
With National Associations in 30 countries, representing 500 million consumers.

ICELAND

FINLAND SWEDEN NORWAY RUSSIA

IRELAND UNITED KINGDOM NETH. BELGIUM

DENMARK LITHUANIA

GERMANY LUX.

POLAND

CZECH REP. SLOVAK REP. FRANCE AUSTRIA SWITZERLAND HUNGARY SLOVENIA ROMANIA PORTUGAL SPAIN ITALY

GREECE

TURKEY

TUNISIA

CYPRUS

+ AUSTRALIA

The profile of the industry

Around 750 companies covering approx. 90% of the market Total turnover for 2000: 25.5 billion euro (for EU 15 + Norway, Switzerland)

A.I.S.E.s Product Categories 2000 Value Shares

SOAPS DISHWASH HOUSEHOLD DOMESTIC BLEACH

4%

4%

4%
DOMESTIC MAINTENANCE

10 %

HOUSEHOLD LAUNDRY

40 %

HARD SURFACES HOUSEHOLD CLEANERS

14 %

Industrys vision

INDUSTRIAL & INSTITUTIONAL

18 %

We benefit society by contributing to the sustainable improvement of the quality and comfort of life through hygiene and cleanliness, in a free, competitive and innovative way.

A.I.S.E.s mission
A.I.S.E.s mission is to communicate the values embodied in the vision expressed above and any related policies to all appropriate stakeholders effectively and objectively, while taking these stakeholders views into account. It will do this by: Acting as the voice of the industry in Europe; Working with other organisations as appropriate, ensuring stakeholder dialogue takes place in an atmosphere of trust; Improving the economic and legal environment in which the industry operates.
International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products Association Internationale de la Savonnerie, de la Dtergence et des Produits dEntretien Square Marie-Louise 49 B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel. +32 2 230 83 71 Fax +32 2 230 82 88 E-mail: aise.main@aise-net.org Website: www.aise-net.org

International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products

A new standard for colour fastness and a new bleach symbol

The problem: consumer dissatisfaction

We always want

We sometimes get

New

Repeatedly washed

New

Repeatedly washed

A new method to predict colour fastness

To reduce the risk of these changes in colour a new ISO test (ISO 105C09) to predict colour fastness of dyed fabrics to oxygen bleaches is now available. Retailers and their supply chain, including dye manufacturers, are using the test throughout Europe and the United States to assess their dyes.

A new bleach symbol to inform consumers

Based on the test method, a new oxygen bleach symbol has been developed for ISO 3758. Consumers will be able to choose the most appropriate washing products by checking the care symbol on the garments. Yesterday you might have washed some coloured articles with a bleach-containing detergent and been disappointed. Soon you will be able to pick the right detergent for the right articles.

For more information on this project, please contact the A.I.S.E. Working Group on Labelling of Coloured Garments.
A.I.S.E. - November 2002

International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products Association Internationale de la Savonnerie, de la Dtergence et des Produits dEntretien Square Marie-Louise 49 B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel. +32 2 230 83 71 Fax +32 2 230 82 88 E-mail: aise.main@aise-net.org Website: www.aise-net.org

Human and Environmental Risk Assessment on ingredients of household cleaning products

A joint European initiative between A.I.S.E. and CEFIC on Human and Environmental Risk Assessment A preferred management tool

Partnership
Producers and Downstream users of chemicals in household cleaning products.

Principles
Partnership chemical/product manufacturers Open dialogue with stakeholders Transparency - Data - Procedures Sound science at all stages - Risk- based priorities (hazard & probable exposure) - Tiered approach - Avoiding unnecessary animal testing No preconception of risk assessment outcome - Risk management to be considered where needed

The concept of Hazard & Risk

Associated with a chemical
Hazard = intrinsic ability to cause adverse effect Risk = probability that such effects will occur in the various applications > Risk assessment: takes into account BOTH the hazard of that chemical AND the exposure to it (both human and environment)

Objectives
To show, with real examples, that the HERA risk assessment framework can provide relevant safety information and evaluation concerning ingredients used in household cleaning products, to authorities and to the public in a fast, effective and transparent way To make a useful and practical contribution in support of a risk-based approach under EU chemicals legislation To serve as a pilot for possible application in other product sectors and/or geographical areas

Key Phases
Phase 1 Develop methodology Work on example for HERA risk substances assessments Objective: establish Objective: efficient and feasibility with industry science-based partners, authorities and all interested parties Phase 2 Apply to a wider range of substances

Value
HERA Targeted Risk Assessment Concept
Focus on ingredients of household detergents and cleaning products and identify: - potential environmental effects - potential effects on human health
Hazard

Cooperation: suppliers formulators Quality: better exposure information Communication/Common language : common detergent and cleaning product industry risk assessment (versus individual as in past) Dialogue: scientific experts, authorities and consumer/environmental organisations discussion forum Harmonisation: Towards global concepts and methods. Use work done elsewhere

Focus on consumer phase - known and probable uses and discharges of detergent and cleaning products
Exposure

Association Internationale de la Savonnerie, de la Dtergence et des Produits dEntretien International Soap, Detergent and Maintenance Products Association

Square Marie-Louise 49 B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel: +(32) 2 230 83 71 Fax: +(32) 2 230 82 88 E-mail: main@heraproject.com

Conseil Europen de lIndustrie Chimique European Chemical Industry Council

www.aise-net.org

www.heraproject.com

www.cefic.org

Human and Environmental Risk Assessment on ingredients of household cleaning products

ss HERA Phase 1

The HERA methodology is available on the website (www.heraproject.com). Substances with the following functions are being examined during Phase 1 of the HERA project: Antifoams Bleach precursors Builders Perfume ingredients Soap Whiteners Surfactants - anionic 1 Surfactants - anionic 2 Surfactants - anionic 3

This represents 73% of the tonnage of chemicals used in laundry detergents in Europe, including around 115 CAS* Numbers.
*CAS: Chemical Abstracts Service

The HERA risk assessments of several ingredients, or families of ingredients, have already been posted on the HERA website (e.g. brightener FWA 5, builder Zeolite A, surfactant family alkyl sulphates, linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS), sodium carbonate, sodium perborate mono and tetrahydrate, sodium percarbonate, fatty acid salts).

ss HERA Phase 2
Substances for Phase 2 will be drawn from the following additional functions: Anti-deposition agent Optical brighteners Surfactants cationics/non-ionics Bleaches Perfumes Thickeners Disinfectants / Preservatives Silicates Zeolites Enzymes Softeners Hydrotropes / Processing aids Solvents In total, it is anticipated that the HERA project will assess more than 250 CAS numbers / substances used in household cleaning products.

ss Stakeholder consultation
Regular consultations are being organised with representatives from academia, EU authorities, NGOs (consumers, environment) and industry. Two workshops have been organised to date (in October 2001 and July 2002) in which attendees welcomed the initiative and provide useful suggestions for HERAs future development. In addition, an External Advisory Panel, chaired by Prof. Jim Bridges, is regularly reviewing the draft HERA risk assessments posted on the HERA website before they become final. Global coordination and information exchange are consistently encouraged.

ss HERA and the EU `Strategy for a Future Chemicals Policy

The HERA project was developed a few months before EU Institutions announced the revision of the Chemicals Policy through a White Paper which was presented in February 2001. A.I.S.E. and CEFIC believe that HERA is compatible with the aspirations of this proposal given the following key common elements: Industry takes responsibility for safety Information and collaboration between manufacturers and downstream-users Risk-based approach (hazard and exposure) Grouping of substances Responds to challenges on existing substances International integration.

ss Associations and Companies supporting HERA

HERA is a joint initiative between: the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance products

&
the European Chemical Industry Council, with its relevant sector groups (CESIO, ECOSOL, ZEODET, CEEP, CES, CEES, PEROXYGENS) leading to the involvement of more than 60 companies including:
AIKAI TIMFOLD, AKTIVSAUERSTOFF, AKZO NOBEL SURFACE CHEMISTRY, ATOFINA, AUSIMONT, BASF, BAYER, BELINKA, BK GIULINI, CFA INORGANIC RAW MATERIALS DE, CF BUDENHEIM, CIBA, CLARIANT, COGNIS, COLGATE PALMOLIVE, COMPTON, CROSFIELD, DEGUSSA HUELS, DOW, DOW CORNING, EKA CHEMICALS SE, FMC FORET, GE BAYER SILICONES, GOLDSCHMIDT, GENENCOR, HENKEL, HUNTSMAN SURFACES SCIENCES UK, INDUSTRIA CHIMICA VERA IT, INDUSTRIAS QUIMICAS DEL EBRO, KEMIRA CHEMICALS, McBRIDE, NOVO, PETRESA, PRAYON RUPEL, PROCTER & GAMBLE, RECKITT BENCKISER, RHODIA, SASOL, SHELL CHEMICALS, SHIN-ETSU SILICONES, SILKEM, SILMACO, SOLVAY, THERMPHOS, UNILEVER, VAN BAERLE, WACKER CHEMIE, WIBARCO, WOELNNER SILIKAT.

- November 2002 -

For more information, please visit www.heraproject.com

International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products

Towards Sustainable Development

An important economic sector A.I.S.E., the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products, is the official body that represents this industry towards European and other international organisations. Membership = National Associations from 30 countries, representing about 750 companies directly active in this field (incl. many Small and Medium-sized Enterprises). Total market value for all these countries is about 35 billion euro (including CEECs), composed largely of household laundry detergents (approx. 40%), dishwashing, household cleaning and maintenance products (together approx. 40%); the specific market focusing on Industrial and Institutional customers has an almost 20% share. Delivering cleanliness and contributing to hygiene for everybody
The products represented by A.I.S.E. are essential to society, to support public health and hygiene and improve the quality of life. Hygiene delivered through our products makes a strong contribution to sustainable development. On the social side, many of our companies make a positive contribution to corporate social responsibility measures, for example through codes of conduct. A.I.S.E.'s activities to help Central & Eastern European countries meet the full set of EU legislation (the Acquis Communautaire) will ensure that more consumers have access to the same standards.

An industry committed to placing products that are safe for man and the environment
The association actively contributes to international programmes such as the Globally Harmonised Scheme on Chemicals and to EU legislative initiatives in this domain (revision of the Chemicals policy, Detergent Regulation, Dangerous Preparations/Substances Directives, Biocides Directive). A.I.S.E. is also very pro-active in promoting voluntary schemes such as the recent project on Human and Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA), a good demonstration of a voluntary industry scheme involving the users (A.I.S.E.) and the providers of chemical ingredients (CEFIC) to establish a common risk assessment tool that will allow for risk management by companies.

From sustainable production to sustainable consumption

Our industry is striving to provide the best possible information to consumers about the composition and the sound use of its product. For instance, the washright campaign organised by A.I.S.E. aims at promoting sustainable consumption. A.I.S.E. has also made it general practice to print the number of services on packs for some of our products, and to have appropriate textile and product information labelling. First thoughts are being considered within A.I.S.E. together with external stakeholders for a forthcoming "Charter on Sustainable Development" which would aim at encouraging further sustainable production and consumption initiatives.
International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products Association Internationale de la Savonnerie, de la Dtergence et des Produits dEntretien Square Marie-Louise 49 B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel. +32 2 230 83 71 Fax +32 2 230 82 88 E-mail: aise.main@aise-net.org Website: www.aise-net.org

International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products

www.washright.com

Promoting Sustainable Consumption of Household Laundry Detergents in Europe: Washright, a unique industry campaign

The Washright campaign aims to provide household tips to consumers consistently throughout Europe and to advise them about washing laundry in a more environment-friendly way. The campaign was initiated in 1998 through A.I.S.E. to complement the industry's work in developing products and packaging that have minimum impact on the environment, while educating consumers on more efficient washing habits. In 2000, A.I.S.E. launched a pan-European TV campaign to promote the Washright messages more widely. This was welcomed by many, including Commissioner for the Environment Margot Wallstrm, UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) and BEUC (European Consumers Association). It was repeated in 2001 and in 2002. In 2002, the industry has again committed 10 million euro towards a pan-European television or print advertising campaign communicating the key messages of this campaign, starting mid-year in 15 countries. The campaign consists of 15-second Washright TV adverts with campaign messages, and is designed to reach approximately 70% of European households. Since the implementation of the Washright campaign, consistent consumer communication material has been developed by A.I.S.E. and placed by companies committed to this initiative (through the A.I.S.E. Code of good environmental practice) on billions of laundry detergent packages throughout Europe. Since 1998, 90% of European Household Laundry detergent products have been featuring the Washright panel, totalling over 500 million panel-carrying packages across Europe each year. The Washright panel includes household tips to raise awareness of key messages:

Washing more clothes in one wash will reduce the water and energy used. The amount of detergent used should relate to the hardness of the water in your area and the soil level of the laundry. Most of today's washing detergents work well at low temperatures, so using high-temperature washes are not usually necessary and use more energy that required. Keep permanent or refillable packaging and buy refill packs where available. Pan-European research conducted with a cross-section of consumers found that they rated the campaign as "good" to "excellent" and 50% remembered the campaign: this is a very high recall figure. A.I.S.E. is the official body representing the soap, detergent and maintenance products industry with European and other international organisations. It aims to represent the industry and cooperate with international authorities on topics of common interest, to study issues, provide and exchange information for member associations and their companies. A.I.S.E. represents around 750 companies across Europe, representing 90% of the market.
International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products Association Internationale de la Savonnerie, de la Dtergence et des Produits dEntretien Square Marie-Louise 49 B-1000 Brussels Belgium Tel. +32 2 230 83 71 Fax +32 2 230 82 88 E-mail: aise.main@aise-net.org Website: www.aise-net.org