Chemicals: US EPA Updates Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) Standard

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized updates to strengthen the Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) Standard, which identifies the requirements that products and their ingredients must meet to earn EPA's Safer Choice label or DfE logo. These updates strengthen the criteria products must meet to qualify for the voluntary Safer Choice label, supporting the use of safer chemicals in the marketplace.

On August 8, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized updates to strengthen the Safer Choice and Design for the Environment (DfE) Standard, which identifies the requirements that products and their ingredients must meet to earn EPA's Safer Choice label or DfE logo. These updates strengthen the criteria products must meet to qualify for the voluntary Safer Choice label, supporting the use of safer chemicals in the marketplace.

The Safer Choice program makes it easier for consumers and purchasers for facilities like schools and office buildings to find cleaners, detergents and other products made with safer chemical ingredients. Similarly, the DfE program helps people find disinfectants that meet high standards for public health and the environment.

In addition to updated clarifying language, the final updated Standard includes:

• A new certification program for cleaning service providers that use Safer Choice- and DfE-certified products. The program will help protect workers that use cleaning products and those who live or work in the spaces they clean.
• Strengthened criteria that pet care products must meet to ensure they use only the safest possible ingredients for humans, pets, and the environment.
• Updated safer packaging criteria, ensuring primary packaging does not include any unintentionally added PFAS or other chemicals of concern.
• Strengthened sustainable packaging requirements for all Safer Choice-certified products to use post-consumer recycled content and be recyclable or be reusable.
• Updated criteria for wipe products to ensure certified wipes contain “Do Not Flush” language to help reduce damage to wastewater treatment systems.
• New, optional energy efficiency or use reduction criteria to encourage companies to use less water, use renewable energy and improve energy efficiency.

Source

Safer Choice Standard and Criteria