By Lorcan Mekitarian, Immediate Past Chair of the CHSA

In the 1970s, Jansa was established to bring together manufacturers and distributors of away from home cleaning and hygiene products. Knowing everyone in the sector could benefit from greater collaboration, it provided a space for businesses to meet, share ideas and build relationships. The connections made were significant in helping the industry grow. Jansa evolved and today it is the CHSA, an association with a reputation for driving up and maintaining standards.

The need for standards was clear

In the 1990s it was clear buyers of cleaning and hygiene products could not be certain they were getting what they paid for. Product specifications were ill defined. People thought they knew what they were buying but, with no common understanding of any product and no consistency they were buying blind.

Led by its members for its members, the CHSA believed buyers should be able to trust the label to accurately describe the product within the box. ‘What’s on the box is what’s in the box’ was born.

The Accreditation Schemes were born

The philosophy is rooted in transparency and consistency, and came to life in the CHSA Accreditation Schemes, now respected and specified across the industry. The first was the Accreditation Scheme for Manufacturers of Soft Tissue. It was quickly followed by Schemes for Manufacturers of Plastic Sacks and Cotton Mops. Compliance was managed by an independent inspector visiting each manufacturer, underwriting ‘what’s on the box is what’s in the box’.

Maturing into a certification body

The immediate past chair, Loran Mekitarian, has served in a voluntary role for seven years. Under his stewardship, the CHSA continued to evolve. The Schemes have expanded in number and rigour, reinforcing the CHSA’s position as the guardian of standards in the cleaning and hygiene sector.

An accreditation framework for distributors was introduced. They had to source product from a CHSA Accredited Manufacturer or evidence product within the scope of an Accreditation Scheme conformed to the standard. This closed the loop: not only manufacturers, but also distributors, are held to account. The CHSA also now has an Accreditation Scheme for Manufacturers of Cleaning Chemicals.

Lorcan has also focused on the professionalism of the CHSA and its members. A Code of Conduct has been developed, into which was integrated the Competition & Markets Authority’s Green Claims Code in 2023.

In early 2024 the Council elected Nicky Biggart to the post of Accreditation Scheme. Working closely together, Nicky and Lorcan, tightened the membership criteria, introducing a requirement to adhere to quality, environmental, health and safety, and regulatory standards. In particular, the Accreditation Schemes for Soft Tissue and Cleaning Chemicals were enhanced, members now having to evidence respected and relevant third-party certifications. The other Accreditation Schemes are now being similarly enhanced.

In 2025, CHSA engaged ProActify Quality Solutions Ltd, an independent consultancy, to provide inspection and advisory services in support of the Accreditation Schemes. These services are delivered on a consultancy basis, with scope and timing agreed per engagement. David Luffman, Lead Consultant, works with Nicky on behalf of the consultancy, supporting members through the development of detailed, clear guidance on the Schemes, compliance responsibilities and the auditing process. The approach and methodology used to deliver these services are determined independently, with the intention always being to help members understand and meet the standards required. Consultancy support is therefore available for both existing and new members.

2025 saw the introduction of the CHSA’s Commitment to Ethical Marketing. Signed by members on joining the Association, it requires marketing statements and claims to be truthful, transparent, meaningful and supported with relevant and appropriate evidence.

Looking into the future

There are many challenges facing manufacturers and distributors in the cleaning and hygiene industry today. They include supply chain volatility, cost pressures and the squeeze on margins, sustainability expectations, workforce shortages, digital transformation, and increasing governmental regulation.

The CHSA’s direction of travel are clear: higher transparency, stronger accountability, and greater environmental responsibility. The CHSA has taken the next step with the appointment of a permanent Chair. While the Council, which is representative of members, still governs the Association, Nick Thompson’s appointment as Chair marks a new era. His role is to take the CHSA forward while navigating the complex challenges members face today.