Microorganism-based commercial cleaning products can now be assessed under Accord’s Recognised® – Environmental Credentials Scheme

Accord Australasia (Accord), the national industry association for the hygiene, cosmetic and specialty products industry, today announced expansion of the Standard Criteria for its Recognised® Environmental Credentials Scheme. This exciting development now means that microorganism-based commercial cleaning products can be assessed and licensed under the Recognised® Scheme.

What is the Recognised® Scheme?

The Recognised® – Environmental Credentials Scheme is a voluntary accreditation to identify environmentally preferable commercial cleaning products.

The Recognised®scheme was developed by Accord, and launched in 2011 with the first products entering the marketplace mid-2012. To date over 100 products have been licensed by Accord.
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Recognised® is an evidence and science based scheme with two parts:

1. Rigorous technical criteria defining the characteristics of environmentally preferable products; and 
2. Independent third-party scientific assessment to determine whether products meet the criteria.

How are the Criteria Developed?

​The original criteria were developed by a working group of chemists and technical specialists from industry over an 18-month period and reviewed by an independent panel of expert toxicologists which found the scheme to be a...

sound and robust…science-based, targeted and pragmatic set of criteria”, coupled with a “sound and transparent” third-party scientific accreditation process.

​The scheme is open and transparent with full rationalisation for inclusion (and exclusion) of each specific criterion provided in the Standard Criteria. The Standard Criteria are subject to annual review by the Recognised Technical Working Group (TWG). Publication of a revised version is only by majority agreement and may not be required every year. If required, special revision of the Standard Criteria may be required in addition to the annual review. The Standard Criteria are also considered by the third party assessor to ensure that the criteria are objectively assessable, and to confirm that interpretation of the criteria is as intended. The new microorganism criteria were subject to expert review prior to finalisation. 

Who Can Apply?

This Scheme establishes requirements for commercial cleaning products, that is, products formulated for maintaining hygienic conditions in workplaces, institutions, warehouses and industrial facilities. This Scheme includes, but is not limited to, the following products for use in commercial applications:

• hard surface cleaning products including general purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, glass cleaners, floor cleaners and oven cleaners
• carpet and upholstery cleaners
• hand hygiene products
• laundry detergents
• dishwashing products
• automotive cleaners
• sanitisers

The scheme is open to members and non-members of Accord. 

Want More Information?

For further information on the Recognised® scheme and the application process click here or get in touch on  [email protected]