ACI Celebrates 100th Anniversary in US Capitol

The American Cleaning Institute (ACI) hosted a centennial celebration on Sept. 15 at the Smithsonian National Postal Museum in Washington, DC. Joined by member organizations, government officials and various industry supporters, ACI presented the Champion of Clean Awards to US Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and US Rep. Darren Soto (D-FL). 

The new award recognizes leadership in advancing science-based policy, manufacturing innovation and public health, according to ACI.

Both Sen. Capito and Rep. Soto accepted their honor on stage from ACI Chair Suzanne Carroll, senior vice president, consumer and life sciences at Nouryon. 

“The cleaning products industry supports good-paying jobs in West Virginia and across the country, strengthening American manufacturing and keeping families, schools, workplaces and communities healthy,” said Sen. Capito, who is chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. She commended ACI for its work “drive sound science, ground-breaking innovation and pro-growth policies that help manufacturers invest and compete here in America.”

“A strong cleaning products sector is absolutely essential for my district and the broader Orlando community. With our worldleading theme parks, hotels and venues for tourists, business travelers, and families driving millions of visitors to our city every year, clean spaces keep families safe and our economy humming,” added Rep. Soto, a leading member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Soto has championed policies that support the cleaning products industry’s focus on circularity, sustainability, and recycling innovation, according to ACI.

“Champions of Clean like Senator Capito and Representative Soto are crucial to the economy-driving success of our supply chain and its effort to deliver essential products that allow homes, schools, hospitals, workplaces and public spaces remain clean, safe and functional,” according to Jennifer Abril, ACI’s president and CEO. “They stand out for their pro-science, pro-innovation policies in Congress, which enable the cleaning products industry to deliver on improving public health.”

Congressional Resolution

Prior to the celebration, US Rep. Rick Allen (R-GA) introduced a congressional resolution honoring ACI’s milestone and recognizing the essential role cleaning and the US cleaning products industry play in protecting health. The resolution also recognizes the everyday value of cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting products.

According to recent analysis, the cleaning product industry directly employs 65,000 people in the US and generates more than $88 billion in annual economic activity. 

“Those are impressive numbers, certainly. But the real value of cleaning shows up every day in ways we hardly notice—in how we care for our families and protect our food; how we protect patients; and how we keep the places where we work and live healthy,” noted Abril.

As ACI closes out this century, the organization is planning for what comes next.

“This includes anticipating the changing needs of consumers, driving innovation, advancing sound science, shaping smart public policy and bringing industry together to tackle future challenges that none of else can solve alone,” Abril told attendees.

ACI’s 2027 Convention

ACI’s annual convention is Feb. 8-12, 2027 in Orlando, FL.