2025

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) is well-equipped to confront marketplace challenges that lie ahead for the cleaning product supply chain, including a rapidly changing legislative and regulatory landscape, according to ACI Board Chair Eric Reynolds, executive vice president & chief operating officer, The Clorox Company.  

Reynolds reflected on ACI’s “extraordinary 2024” and mapped out the association’s 2025 priorities during the State of the Association Address at the ACI Annual Meeting and Industry Convention in Orlando. 

“ACI is prepared to engage with the new Administration and Congress to advocate for sound policies that promote business competitiveness and scientific rigor,” said Reynolds. 

ACI’s Government Affairs team in Washington is already highlighting those policies, including: 

  • Emphasizing the need for a reliable, efficient new chemicals review process at EPA to enable greater product innovations. 
  • Delivering a pro-business tax policy that maintains critical tax incentives and expands competitiveness for U.S.-based businesses worldwide. 
  • Enacting a regulatory environment that relies on sound science and fosters continued investment and resources to achieve a thriving manufacturing sector. 

 

ACI is also engaging with state legislatures, as they consider bills affecting packaging, recycling, microplastics and chemicals. ACI communicated its policy priorities to more than 8,000 state lawmakers, governors and policymakers. 

“On the regulatory front, ACI will be ready to provide comprehensive technical and scientific information to EPA and state regulators to help drive informed decision-making on 1,4-dioxane rules,” Reynolds added. 

On the sustainability front, ACI aims to expand its Sustainable Feedstocks Initiative by educating members on the use of Life Cycle Assessments and increasing the information available so that members can better understand environmental impacts when switching between ingredient sources.  

ACI will have a more robust presence throughout the media ecosystem for its communications and outreach initiatives, ensuring concise, resonant messaging on policy topics and issues that can impact the industry’s ability to innovate and compete in today’s complex landscape, as well as reinforce the positive role the industry plays in supporting public health, Reynolds said. 

Reynolds added that ACI’s leadership is in very capable hands with Interim Co-CEOs Douglas Troutman and Korie Traver. A Board of Directors search committee is already hard at work in finding a successor to the recently departed President and CEO Melissa Hockstad.  

Among the past year’s ACI highlights cited by Reynolds: 

  • A 2024 Convention with (then) record-breaking attendance (the 2025 Convention attendance set a new record) 
  • Publication of ACI’s new Sustainability Report and growing support for its 1.5 Degree Challenge on net-zero emissions and Circular Packaging Roadmap goals 
  • Recognition as an EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year for the 5th time 
  • Co-authorship of peer-reviewed scientific research and contributing to important ingredient stewardship programs 

 

“As we begin 2025, we affirm our readiness and commitment,” Reynolds said. “Together, ACI and its members will shape a future marked by innovation, collaboration and resilience. The future is ours to define, and together, we are unstoppable.” 

As the association readies to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2026, Reynolds called upon ACI members to harness their collective strengths.  

“Each of us plays a vital role in making sure that cleaning, hygiene, and disinfection remain forces for good — protecting public health and creating safer, healthier communities,” he said. “But we are not just participants; we are catalysts for change. Together, we shape the future of our industry. Together, we are serving people, improving lives.”