Listen to The ACI 2026 Recap Here:
- The force shaping industry direction
- Adapting to a shifting business landscape
- Building stronger consumer connections
- Evolving approaches to product effectiveness
- Navigating today’s competitive environment
Killer Quote: “So if I was going to talk about one overall theme, and this is the theme that’s going to run through everything I talk about today, it’s science.” – Victoria Meyer
Watch The ACI 2026 Recap on Youtube Here:
Inside ACI Annual Meeting 2026: Strategic Trends Shaping Cleaning Products
Last week, Victoria attended the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) Annual Meeting and Conference, which marked its centennial year. The event gathered industry professionals from across the cleaning products value chain, from chemical suppliers to consumer brands. This episode brings back insights and observations from those discussions, highlighting five central themes that are defining the direction of the cleaning industry as we move into 2026.
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1. Grounded in Science: Shaping the Cleaning Industry’s Foundation
Science is the thread weaving through every conversation at ACI 2026. As Victoria emphasized, this scientific grounding is not just about developing effective products, but also about shaping the regulatory environment for the cleaning industry. Jennifer Abril, ACI’s new president and CEO, underscored the association’s commitment to steering both scientific and regulatory advancements. However, Victoria also noted the public’s growing cynicism towards science, a trend shaped by many recent cultural shifts. In the context of cleaning products, using science as the basis for decisions, rather than trends or opinions, is essential, even as industry leaders grapple with shifting consumer trust and perceptions.
2. Pragmatic Science and Sustainability: Performance Comes First
Innovation was present, but its nature was pragmatic. This year, “pragmatic science”, a focus on attainable and scalable improvements, took center stage. Sustainability remains critical across the supply chain, especially for consumer product companies responding to consumer demands. But, as Victoria pointed out, sustainability must be backed by scientific validation, be compatible with existing formulations, and most importantly, be scalable. The session’s business sentiment reflected this: the industry is navigating a “grind it out” phase. Companies are focused on maintaining customers and incremental growth, “flat is the new growth” has become a common refrain. Innovations ranged from carbon capture applications to practical solutions supporting both performance and sustainability, but always under the lens of commercial viability.
3. Connecting with Customers: The Importance of Clear Communication
A major theme was enhancing consumer connections. Product labeling and communication were hot topics, especially with consumers looking for “hazard-free” products. This marks a shift away from risk-based dialogues that the industry once favored. Victoria explained how this shift sometimes feels less scientific, but it reflects the need to meet customers where they are. Labeling redesign and clear communication are becoming urgent priorities globally. Julia Jancis from AISE highlighted how European industry groups are focusing on this over the next several years.
Another critical aspect is regaining consumer trust, particularly around business and science. Steven Habiff of Colgate-Palmolive pointed out the need to explain scientific concepts in ways that are accessible to everyone, not just industry insiders. Clearer messaging and relatable information are vital as the influence of social media and “cleanfluencers” grows. ACI itself has embraced this, hiring influencers to help balance messaging and reach consumers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
4. Innovation at the Intersection of Chemistry and Biology
While chemistry has always been the backbone of cleaning science, newer discussions are exploring the intersection of chemistry and biology. Presentations from companies like DSM Firmenich and IFF highlighted advances in tackling “malodor”, lasting odors in clothing and other fabrics, through a blend of chemical and biological solutions. The industry is asking: how can we do more with less, and improve effectiveness while also meeting evolving customer needs? As Victoria discussed, helping consumers understand these innovations and the improved efficacy of current products compared to those from a century ago is an ongoing challenge.
5. The Regulatory Maze: Navigating New and Old Frameworks
Regulation remains a significant hurdle for innovation and progress as industry leaders described long approval timelines. Ecolab’s recent biocide approval took five years. Dow highlighted the diverging regulatory landscape across federal, state, and international borders, which complicates the path for new ingredient registrations. This lack of predictable regulatory pathways is becoming a notable barrier, stalling industry advancement. ACI has made advocating for clarity and alignment in regulation a strategic priority for 2026, but there is much work left to be done.
The cleaning products industry is at a pivotal moment, shaped by scientific rigor, realistic innovation, consumer engagement, and regulatory complexity. Victoria closed the episode reflecting on these key themes and their impact on the industry’s future. As professionals continue to innovate, communicate, and navigate regulation, it’s clear that the roadmap to 2026 and beyond will demand both science and pragmatism as guiding principles.