The Household and Industrial (H&I) cleaning sector is facing simultaneous pressure from technology, sustainability mandates, and aggressive chemical phase-outs in major markets. For formulators, the focus has shifted from simple cost optimization to achieving eco-compliance under increasingly complex global and state-level regulations.
Here is a recap of the key regulatory shifts in 2025 and the critical compliance challenges to anticipate in 2026 and beyond.
I. Major Regulatory Changes in 2025: US Chemical Phase-Outs and EU Detergent Overhaul
The defining regulatory actions of 2025 centered on the US continuing to enforce PBT (Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic) restrictions and the EU establishing new rules for microbial and refillable products.
A. US: TSCA PBT Compliance and Worker Safety
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized amendments to the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) rules governing five PBT chemicals, directly impacting industrial formulations:
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PIP (3:1) Restrictions: The compliance landscape for Phenol, isopropylated phosphate (3:1) (PIP (3:1)) was further refined. While most uses were phased out earlier, the year saw the full prohibition on processing and distribution in commerce for use in sealants and adhesives after January 6, 2025.
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New Compliance Thresholds: For PBT chemicals like PIP (3:1) and decaBDE, a regulatory threshold of 0.1% by weight for unintentional amounts in products and articles was established.
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Worker Protections: New rules mandated worker safety protections and extended business record-keeping from three to five years for most activities involving these restricted PBT chemicals, requiring industrial cleaning providers to update their safety protocols and documentation.
B. EU: Detergent Regulation Update and Ecolabel Focus
The EU’s updated Detergent Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 648/2004) introduced significant structural changes to accommodate circularity and new technologies:
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Microbial Cleaners Included: The updated rules now cover microbial cleaning products and detergents containing microorganisms, ensuring they undergo safety checks to confirm they are non-pathogenic.
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Refill and Bulk Sales: The new regulation formally recognizes bulk detergent sales and refill formats, requiring refill stations to provide essential product information at the point of refill, even via digital labeling.
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Ecolabel Criteria: The EU Ecolabel criteria for detergents and hard surface cleaning products remained in effect, guaranteeing products meet strict limits on hazardous substances, sustainably sourced raw materials, and recyclable packaging.
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II. What to Expect: 2026 and Beyond
Future regulations will focus on product data transparency, expanded hazardous substance identification, and the integration of sustainability criteria into industrial procurement.
A. EU: Digital Product Passports and New Chemical Bans (2026-2027)
The EU’s transition to a Circular Economy will be mandatory, requiring a major data overhaul for all products.
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Digital Product Passport (DPP): The general application of the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which mandates the Digital Product Passport (DPP), will take effect starting in July 2026. This passport will require cleaning product manufacturers to provide detailed, transparent information on ingredients, recyclability, and repairability.
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New Circular Economy Act: A new Circular Economy Act, scheduled for adoption in 2026, aims to establish a single market for secondary raw materials and waste, which will affect how recycled or bio-based components are sourced for cleaning products.
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Potential CBAM Expansion: The EU is considering extending its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to other industries, including potentially chemicals, in early 2026, which could penalize certain chemical imports based on their carbon footprint.
B. US: Proposition 65 Labeling and Continued TSCA Scrutiny
California’s unique regulations will continue to influence national labeling and formulation practices.
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Prop 65 Warning Update: New amendments to California’s Proposition 65 took effect in January 2025, with a grace period extending to January 2028. This requires short-form warnings to be more detailed, including the name of at least one chemical that necessitates the warning, impacting the labeling of household cleaning products sold in California.
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Ongoing TSCA Risk Evaluations: The EPA continues its risk evaluation process for numerous high-priority existing chemicals (including chemicals like benzene and styrene). Final risk management rules for these substances, which are commonly used in industrial solvents or specialty cleaning agents, are expected in 2026 and beyond.
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Focus on Alternatives: The industry will continue to see a surge in demand for bio-based and enzymatic cleaning solutions in both household and industrial sectors, driven by consumer preference and the need to meet eco-friendly certifications like Safer Choice and Green Seal.
III. Actionable Steps
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H&I Reformulation Audit: Immediately audit industrial solvent and degreasing formulations against the new TSCA PBT thresholds (0.1% by weight) for PIP (3:1) and decaBDE. Prepare to implement required worker PPE protocols and record-keeping systems.
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Prepare for Digital Data: Begin compiling the environmental and material data (e.g., recyclability, content, hazardous substance presence) necessary for the EU Digital Product Passport (DPP), ahead of the July 2026 implementation deadline.
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Labeling Compliance: Review labeling protocols for products sold in California to ensure compliance with the 2025 Proposition 65 amendments, which will require the identification of a specific chemical on the short-form warning by 2028.
Sources
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Trends in the Household and Industrial Cleaners Industry for 2025 – UL Prospector
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Future of Commercial Cleaning: Trends for 2025 – Greenly Pro
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Why the Smart Green Cleaning Revolution in 2025 Will Change the Way You Think About Hygiene!
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EU detergents regulation 2025: What’s changing and why it matters – Hooley Brown
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UK Cosmetics Regulation 2026 Updates and Bans – Cosmeservice
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European Union: Commission proposes Clean Industrial Deal – Baker McKenzie InsightPlus
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The new Clean Industrial Deal and potential impacts for the EU automotive sector
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Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) Chemicals under TSCA Section 6(h) | US EPA
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US EPA Issues Final Rule for DecaBDE and PIP (3:1) Revisions under TSCA – SGS
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WARNING: New Proposition 65 Amendments In Effect in 2025 – Stinson LLP
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