FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Sansoni, The Soap and Detergent Association, 202-662-2517, Bsansoni@cleaning101.com

SDA Unveils Principles of Sustainable Development

Document Demonstrates Association, Industry
Commitment to Enhancing Human Health, Quality of Life

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 27, 2005 – The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) today formally unveiled its Principles for Sustainable Development, which symbolize the industry’s contributions to a “better world through health, hygiene and wellness.”

“These principles collectively represent SDA’s stated purpose: to enhance health and the quality of life through cleaning products and practices,” said Ernie Rosenberg, SDA President and CEO.

The Principles were adopted by the SDA Board of Directors at its November 2004 meeting and publicly announced at SDA’s 2005 Annual Meeting & Industry Convention in Boca Raton, Florida.

“As the association representing cleaning product manufacturers, their ingredient and packaging suppliers, and oleochemical producers, SDA wanted to more specifically spell out how our members are committed to sustainable environmental, health and socio-economic practices,” added Rosenberg. “Many of our past and current activities – such as SDA’s partnerships promoting hygiene and health practices – already demonstrate our commitment to sustainability. In the months and years ahead, this Statement will help us build a more demonstrable legacy of improving life for our employees, customers, communities and the world at-large.”

SDA’s Principles of Sustainability, listed below, are also available online at www.cleaning101.com:

SDA’s Principles for Sustainable Development

The members of The Soap and Detergent Association are committed to the enhancement of human health and quality of life through the responsible formulation, production and sale of cleaning products and ingredients.

The members of The Soap and Detergent Association will strive to meet the following commitments to advance human health and environmental quality, social well-being, and economic growth. The Association will support its members in meeting these commitments.

Human Health / Environmental Sustainability

• To only market products that have been shown to be safe for humans and the environment, through careful consideration of the potential health and environmental effects, exposures and releases that will be associated with their production, transportation, use and disposal.
• To promote transparent communication of safety and handling information across the chain of commerce
• To support basic research to resolve uncertainties around human and environmental safety when they arise.
• To obey the spirit and intent of all national laws and regulations.

Social Sustainability

• To contribute to a better quality of life for our consumers, business partners, employees and the communities in which we operate.
• To develop products and ingredients that effectively deliver claimed benefits.
• To promote the safe use of our products with the public.
• To support society’s efforts to enhance public health and well-being through improved hygiene and sanitation.
• To maintain a high level of product stewardship throughout the chain of commerce.
• To operate our manufacturing facilities with due regard to the health and safety of our employees, the communities in which we operate and the wider environment.

Economic Sustainability

• To contribute to economic growth, including the economic success of the industry’s shareholders, employees and communities.
• To innovate to improve products both in terms of performance and environmental impact.

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The Soap and Detergent Association ( www.cleaning101.com ) is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products and Oleochemical Industries^SM, represents manufacturers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products; their ingredients; and finished packaging; and oleochemical producers. SDA members produce more than 90 percent of the cleaning products marketed in the U.S. The SDA is located at 1500 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20005