CLEANING & HYGIENE


AN ETHICAL APPROACH AT THE HEART OF INDUSTRY


Lorcan Mekitarian, Chair of the Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA), explains why integrity is the new competitive edge.


The world is changing. AI is reshaping the environment at work. Climate change and the shifting regulatory landscape, designed to change behaviour, is a huge issue. Geopolitical uncertainty has disrupted supply chains. There is also the


burden placed on business by a Chancellor seeking to balance the books. Higher costs and complex planning to work around these problems have become the norm.


With so much change and uncertainty businesses naturally focus on making


sure they are resilient, prioritising core operations. With the pressure on to remain competitive, cutting costs can dominate. An ethical approach may be a casualty but at the CHSA we argue this is not the right way forward. We believe an ethical approach is key to commercial success in this tough, competitive commercial environment.


Ethical businesses operate with integrity, fairness and respect for people, communities and the environment. They are transparent in their dealings. They do not mislead, and they provide evidence that justifies the claims they make. This means they foster loyalty and commitment amongst employees and can be trusted by suppliers, buyers and end users.


Ethical practice is something we expect of every member. It began with the development of our Accreditation Schemes. Their introduction meant buyers could differentiate between the companies that cut corners for short-term commercial gain with those that did not.


We operate Accreditation Schemes for Manufacturers of Soſt Tissue, Plastic Sacks, Cotton Mops and Cleaning Chemicals and for Distributors. Members of the Schemes are required to take all reasonable and practical steps to ensure all products within the scope of the Schemes are of the stated quality and quantity for the intended purpose. Depending on the Scheme, members are also required to evidence relevant quality and environmental certifications.


This year we introduced a preference for an ethical audit for all CHSA manufacturing members. An ethical audit matters because it helps organisations assess and improve their social and environmental performance, ensuring their actions align with their stated values and legal requirements. It enhances transparency, builds stakeholder trust, mitigates risks like unfair labour or data privacy violations, and can be a contractual requirement for customers. By proactively identifying and


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addressing ethical gaps, companies can protect their reputation and ensure long-term sustainability.


For CHSA Accredited Product, the manufacturer, whether based in the UK or overseas, must provide a copy of their most recent official ethical audit report. The report must meet the CHSA’s minimum requirement, and encompass labour standards, and health and safety. The ethical audit will be compulsory by the end of 2027.


“With so much change and uncertainty businesses naturally focus on making sure they are resilient, prioritising core operations.”


We have also introduced a commitment to ethical marketing, which is being signed by every member. By doing so they commit to adhere to four ethical principles:


1. All statements and claims are truthful. 2. Supporting evidence, such as data sheets, reports and certificates is available on request to substantiate all product and service claims.


3. All statements and claims are transparent. For example, it is clearly indicated if the claim applies to the product, the packaging or both.


4. All statements and claims are meaningful. For example, the term eco-friendly must be defined in relation to all aspects of the product and substantiated across the full lifecycle.


An ethical approach is at the core of the CHSA and something we expect of our members. This means buyers who purchase from a CHSA member can trust they are working with an ethical business committed to trading with integrity, fairness and respect.


www.CHSA.co.uk


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