It’ll All Come Out In the Wash

Sometimes, regulations provide a boost for business. Last month, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a ban on two solvents that are common in everyday products. One, tricholoethylene (TCE) is widely found in cleaners and other products. The other, perchloroethylene, is commonly used to dry clean clothes. EPA linked both chemicals to kidney and liver damage.

Observers predict that until the dry-cleaning industry finds replacements, more people will wash their clothes by hand. Maybe. But I’m predicting catsup-stained neckties will become a fashion statement long before P&G launches Tie-D detergent. And if you’re a slob like me, here’s some fashion advice from the late, great John Bogle, founder of The Vanguard Group. Bogle, notoriously frugal, only wore red ties. The reason? Bogle said red hides stains better than other colors. 

January means a new year, a new beginning and our annual fabric care article. It also marks a new era for the American Cleaning Institute. For the first time in nearly a decade, Melissa Hockstad won’t be at the ACI Convention later this month in Orlando. She’s now the CEO of the Consumer Brands Association. Click here for our article on the multibillion-dollar fabric care category.

New beginnings are a hallmark of every independent beauty brand. In this issue, Melissa Meisel profiles some of the leading players in the indie beauty category. Click here to catch up with market innovators like Ciele Cosmetics, Dazzle Dry and Evolvetogether.

Finally, this issue includes an update on home fragrance trends.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Happi. We welcome your comments and suggestions and wish you the best of luck in 2025.

Tom Branna

Chief Content Officer

tbranna@rodmanmedia.com