Sustainability regulatory environment for cleaning and hygiene products is tightening

The Cleaning & Hygiene Suppliers Association (CHSA) has published a report on the outlook for environmental regulation in the UK and EU and the impact on cleaning and hygiene manufacturers and distributors.

The report, What’s Coming in Environmental Legislation for UK Cleaning & Hygiene Manufacturers (2026–2028), includes the incoming legislation covering chemicals, packaging, carbon reporting, wastewater and green claims. It warns businesses that sustainability compliance, once a competitive differentiator, is rapidly becoming a baseline requirement for market access.

Prepared by Vikki Morris of Evans Vanodine and Dr. Maija Pohjakallio of Metsä Group, the report highlights the growing divergence between UK and EU regulation following Brexit and the increasing complexity facing companies trading across both jurisdictions.

Among the key issues identified are tighter controls on PFAS chemicals and microplastics under EU REACH, increasing scrutiny of biocidal products, and significant new obligations linked to packaging reform.

The authors warn that businesses supplying both the UK and EU markets face mounting duplication risks, higher compliance costs and growing administrative burdens, particularly around chemical registrations, packaging reporting and product sustainability data.

The report encourages manufacturers and distributors to begin preparing now by auditing product portfolios for high-risk substances, reviewing exposure to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, strengthening supplier engagement and building robust environmental data systems. The CHSA says companies that view compliance as a strategic investment rather than a reactive cost will be best placed to protect margins, maintain market access and build resilience.

www.chsa.co.uk