Refreshments sponsored by:
*By invitation only
This session will bring together raw material suppliers, manufacturers, and marketers of household and professional cleaning and care products. We will cover key Division business, including updates on ongoing projects, industry developments, and ongoing collaborative efforts. Participants will have the chance to engage in discussions that influence the Division’s priorities and future initiatives.
This program will explore various topics that are important to the aerosol products industry, ranging from innovation to post-market monitoring and analysis.
Speakers:
Ashley Brown, Manager of Clinical Toxicology and Senior Clinical Toxicologist, SafetyCall International LLC
Rick Kingston, President, SafetyCall International LLC
Mark Robin, Technical Fellow, The Chemours Company
Michael Roldan, Senior Associate Consultant, HazMat Safety Consulting
Gergely Zámbó, Managing Director, Respray Solutions Kft
The Floor Care Products Division brings together formulators, suppliers, distributors, and consultants committed to advancing the technical performance and safety of floor care products. This session will cover key Division activities, including updates on ongoing projects, regulatory and market developments, and collaborative initiatives. Participants will have the opportunity to share input and help shape the Division’s future direction on priority topics, including pedestrian walkway safety and standards, engagement with the California Air Resources Board (CARB), PFAS, and microplastics, while also highlighting opportunities for innovation in both consumer and commercial applications.
Immediately following the Floor Care Products Division session, the Executive Board will convene for a closed meeting to discuss governance, strategic priorities, and next steps for the Division. Please note that attendance is limited to Board members.
Keynote Speaker: Kristel Bauer, Corporate Wellness and Performance Expert
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
The Aerosol Products Division’s Scientific Committee develops standards and specifications, participates in relevant research efforts, and explores current and potential aerosol technologies. The Committee also engages with global institutions that impact the storage, trade, and manufacturing of aerosol products to ensure that these practices are safe, effective, and manageable.
From product formulations to product stewardship, policy decisions are reshaping how companies do business. State-level chemical management, including PFAS regulations and pesticide restrictions to extended producer responsibility and packaging laws, government affairs priorities are at the center of business strategy. This panel will bring together senior policy and advocacy leaders to discuss top public policy priorities, highlight key state and federal developments, and share insights on emerging trends that will impact your products. Expect candid discussions on how shifting legislation affects compliance, innovation, and consumer access to essential products, while also exploring opportunities for collaboration.
Speakers:
Mark Biel, Chief Executive Officer, Chemical Industry Council of Illinois
Andrew Morley, Director of Environment Policy, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce
Adam Regele, Vice President of Advocacy and Strategic Partnerships, California Chamber of Commerce
Innovating for the Climate and Safer Products: Driving Carbon Reductions and Safety Through Chemistry
As companies work toward ambitious climate goals, chemistry plays a pivotal role in lowering emissions and ensuring product safety across the product lifecycle. This session will highlight how green chemistry innovations – from the use of bio-based raw materials to energy-efficient formulations and manufacturing practices – are enabling both meaningful carbon reductions and the design of inherently safer products in the household and commercial products industry. Building on the Mid-Year Meeting panel, Monetizing Carbon Reductions, speakers will discuss how chemistry-enabled innovations can deliver climate impact and safety gains simultaneously, creating brand value, operational efficiencies, and measurable progress on sustainability objectives. This session will also underscore how green chemistry is not only about minimizing environmental burdens, but also inventing new products that maximize human and environmental safety. Attendees will gain insights into practical strategies, real-world applications, and future opportunities where green chemistry, climate priorities, and safety innovation intersect.
Speakers:
Greg Adamson, Senior Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs, Product Safety, & Sustainability, Givaudan
Nivatha Balendra, CEO & Founder, Dispersa
Ross Ellis, Senior Scientist, Borregaard
Adelina Voutchkova, Director of Sustainable Development, American Chemical Society
Since the 1980s, HCPA has helped develop and maintain both National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and international fire and building codes that allow aerosols to be manufactured, distributed, stored in warehouses, and placed on retailer shelves. HCPA uses sound science to ensure that its positions are credible and compelling to fire officials, insurers, and fire engineering professionals who manage the nation’s complex system of fire and building codes. In this working session, attendees will discuss the latest developments regarding aerosol fire codes and set the direction for upcoming positions.
Skills for the Future: Preparing Chemists for Sustainable Chemistry Innovation in the Household and Commercial Products Industry
As the demand for sustainable and safer products continues to grow, the household and commercial products industry faces increasing pressure to innovate with better chemistry – delivering solutions that are not only high-performing and cost-effective, but also safer and more sustainable. This session, co-sponsored by the Sustainability & Product Stewardship Council and HCPA’s Young Professionals Committee, will explore the evolving chemistry skillsets and tools required to meet these challenges head-on and what the next generation of chemists should look like.
Through a dynamic panel discussion, industry leaders and green chemistry advocates will address key questions, including:
Panelists will draw on real-world experience to illustrate how hybrid skills (technical expertise, communication, and regulatory awareness) are critical to driving sustainable chemistry innovation. Participants will also learn about current resources available through the American Chemical Society (ACS) Green Chemistry Institute (e.g., GChELP, Summer School, workshops) and have the opportunity to shape future offerings by sharing their needs and insights.
Whether you're a new professional navigating your career path or a leader shaping your organization's sustainability strategy, this session will offer practical guidance, tools, and inspiration for the journey ahead.
Moderator:
Adelina Voutchkova, Director of Sustainable Development, American Chemical Society
Speakers:
Lisa Dreilinger, Global Head of Regulatory, Arxada
Meghan Lieb, Vice President, Global Research & Development, WD-40 Company
Adam Warren, Vice President, Global Development, Henkel
Sponsored by:
With the HCPA Board of Directors
During this session, EPA BEAD will provide an update on the Division’s latest activities, including priorities, test method development updates, and outreach efforts.
Speakers:
Rebecca Pines, Branch Chief, EPA Biological and Economic Analysis Division (BEAD) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) Microbiology Laboratory
Donald Wilbur, EPA Biological and Economic Analysis Division (BEAD) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP)
The Air Care Products Division focuses on products designed to enhance or condition the indoor environment by combating unpleasant odors, freshening the air, or removing airborne particles. This session will bring together fragrance and other ingredient suppliers, manufacturers, and marketers of air care products to provide an update on and discuss key Division issues and initiatives.
Attendees will discuss a range of issues important to automotive and industrial products, such as potential replacements for chlorinated and fluorinated solvents in applications where electrical currents remain, small cans of automotive refrigerant, and more.
This session will focus on the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA), including a regulatory update and the EPA’s rulemaking process in a post-Loper Bright environment.
Speakers:
TSCA Regulatory Update
Rich Engler, Director of Chemistry, Bergeson & Campbell
EPA Rulemaking in a post Loper-Bright environment
Warren Lehrenbaum, Partner, Crowell & Moring LLP
Amy Symonds, Senior Counsel, Crowell & Moring LLP
The Regulatory Committee develops and advances policies that promote and protect the safe and effective use of aerosol products. The Regulatory Committee engages with federal and state legislators and global stakeholders to promote trade, harmonize laws, and ensure that regulations are consistent. The Regulatory Committee also works to minimize potential disruptions throughout the supply chain and improve the sustainability of aerosol products.
The Air Care Products Division Board provides strategic direction and oversees the activities of HCPA’s Air Care Products Division. This session will discuss strategic priorities, key focus areas, and initiatives.
During this session, EPA AD will provide an update on the Division’s latest activities, including priorities and staffing updates.
The Membership Committee plans and executes programming for the Aerosol Products Division, maintains and improves the engagement of aerosol members, and recruits new aerosol or aerosol-adjacent companies to join HCPA.
Clive Davies
Retailer Recognition to Active Advocacy: EWG Verified and Safer Choice Updates and Discussion
Clive Davies, VP of EWG Verified, will provide an in-depth look at the latest developments in the EWG Verified certification program. The session will specifically cover recent updates to the program, plans for future growth, and strategies for expanding its impact in the marketplace. Attendees will also learn about the role EWG Verified plays in retailer recognition initiatives, including programs such as Amazon’s Climate Pledge Friendly, and how certification can enhance product visibility, consumer trust, and sustainability credentials.
This session is designed for brands, manufacturers, and retailers seeking to better understand the evolving landscape of certification programs and the opportunities they present for promoting safer, more sustainable products.
Following the EWG presentation, HCPA will share updates on the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safer Choice program, highlight the Association’s ongoing advocacy work to preserve and support the program, and facilitate a member discussion to address concerns and help guide future advocacy initiatives.
Speaker:
Clive Davies, Vice President, EWG Verified
Sponsored by:
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming how companies innovate — from early-stage consumer research to final product safety checks. This session will explore five key domains where AI is making a tangible impact in product development: consumer insights, formulation and packaging, regulatory, sustainability, and safety/quality assurance.
Rafael Ortiz will open the session by providing a roadmap for these applications, setting the stage for a series of expert perspectives which will highlight how AI is being used today to streamline regulatory processes, design sustainable and effective formulations, and strengthen quality and safety practices.
The session will be interactive, with the panel directly engaging the audience to discuss practical challenges, opportunities, and real-world examples of how AI is shaping the future of product development.
Moderator:
Maggie Gottardi, R&D Director of Technology, State Industrial Products
Speakers:
Rafael Ortiz, Chief Technology Officer, CLR Brands
Anastasia Sartan, CEO, GetGenAI
Jacob Smith, Innovation Advisor, RTI International
Charlie Vallely, Chief Products Officer, Smarter Sorting
Simon Kinsman
Speaker:
Simon Kinsman, Director of Regulatory Affairs, Canadian Cosumer Specialty Products Association (CCSPA)
This working session will review findings from the recent third-party audit of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP). Attendees will also discuss the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act (PRIA), including process improvements under the current law and direction on strategy for negotiating PRIA 6.
Nicole Quiñonez
Stay ahead of the curve with a forward-looking briefing on the issues that will define your business environment in 2026 and beyond, while helping shape the industry’s advocacy strategy on the policies that matter most. Members will gain critical insights into the most consequential policy developments of the past year – including extended producer responsibility frameworks, PFAS in products, pesticide regulation, and household hazardous waste management – while also examining emerging trends poised to influence the industry’s trajectory in 2026 and beyond. Led by HCPA’s Government Relations & Public Policy team, this session will feature a strategic dialogue on positioning the industry for long-term success. By participating, members will play an active role in refining HCPA’s public policy agenda and ensuring that the industry’s collective voice remains authoritative and effective in shaping public policy outcomes.
Speaker:
Nicole Quiñonez, Partner, Madden Quiñonez Advocacy
Sponsored by:
This session will focus on all things PFAS, including recent advances in testing, the development of PFAS alternatives, and lessons learned from the Currently Unavoidable Use exemption process for PFAS products in Maine.
Speakers:
Elizabeth Denly, PFAS Initiative Leader and Chemistry Director, TRC Companies
Alexandra Gobeil, Toxicologist, Ramboll
John Schierlmann, Technical Director, IndSpyre Solutions
Stephanie Golden
This session will explore the IT tools currently empowering innovation in the pesticide space. Speakers will detail the latest updates related to MyPEST, the National Pesticide Information Retrieval System (NPIRS), and Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA).
Speakers:
Tim Deppen, NPIRS Program Manager, Center for Environmental and Regulatory Information Systems (CERIS) at Purdue University
Stephanie Golden, Director of Policy, Canadian Consumer Specialty Products Association (CCSPA)
Chris Zemanek, Regulatory Principal, Scotts-Miracle Gro Company
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Session
Packaging EPR in Practice: Learnings from the Food Industry
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is rapidly shaping the future of sustainable packaging, and the food industry has emerged as a leader in identifying and responding to this trend. This session will examine how the food sector is navigating EPR and explore the practical lessons that can be adapted for the household and commercial products industry.
The panel of experts will feature perspectives from the Sustainable Food Policy Alliance, ExxonMobil, the Consumer Brands Association’s SmartLabel, and Ramboll on advances in recycling technologies, consumer communication, and strategies to drive brand growth. Attendees will gain insights into real-world approaches, challenges, and successes in managing packaging responsibility, as well as actionable takeaways for applying similar initiatives in their own organizations.
This session is designed for professionals seeking to learn from the food industry’s leadership and explore ways to accelerate sustainable packaging and EPR initiatives across other sectors.
Moderator:
Michael Washburn, Principal, Washburn Consulting: Sustainability & Public Affairs
Speakers:
Rishi Banerjee, Senior Director of SmartLabel, Consumer Brands Association
Melanie Bower, Regulatory Development Manager at Plastics Circularity, ExxonMobil
Stefani Millie Grant, Associate Director of External Affairs, Unilever
Colin Preston, Managing Partner, Ramboll
Celebrating Breakthroughs Over Breakfast
Start your morning with coffee, breakfast, and a front-row seat to innovation in action.
The Innovation Awards Coffee session is a new addition to the HCPA Annual Meeting – designed to shine a spotlight on past and present Innovation Award winners and the breakthroughs shaping the future of our industry.
This relaxed, interactive session invites you to:
Grab your breakfast and coffee, take a seat, and join the conversation. This session is informal by design – no slides, no formal presentations – just meaningful dialogue about what it takes to drive innovation in the household and commercial products industry.
Whether you're curious about the process behind a winning idea or looking for inspiration for your own work, this session is your opportunity to learn, connect, and kick off your day with energy and insight.
The Executive Board oversees the activities of the Antimicrobial Products Division and focuses on strategies to advance and protect the antimicrobial products industry. This session will cover key initiatives, industry challenges, and strategic priorities to ensure the continued growth and success of the sector.
This session will discuss state regulatory activity related to air quality, with a specific focus on volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations and the potential transition to Maximum Incremental Reactivity (MIR) by the California Air Resources Board (CARB).
The Council will also explore potential activity that HCPA can take to address the latest research on indoor air quality.
This is a closed meeting for members of the SPSC Executive Board. Board members will receive the meeting agenda by email.
This session will provide an update from the EPA’s Registration Division, as well as discuss specific pesticide activity at the state level, covering conventional and minimum risk (25(b)) pesticides.
Michael Boucher
FIFRA Enforcement in Focus: Navigating Oversight in a Changing Regulatory Landscape
With increased scrutiny at the U.S. border and evolving enforcement priorities under FIFRA, companies in the antimicrobial and pesticide sectors face growing regulatory risk, often without realizing they are on the radar. This session will explore how companies come to the attention of enforcement authorities, with a particular focus on the role of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in identifying and investigating potential violations.
Attendees will gain insight into recent increases in enforcement activity at ports of entry and unpack the organizational structure of EPA and state enforcement, clarifying responsibilities at Headquarters versus Regional Offices, and how regional differences in resources and capabilities can impact import clearances and enforcement intensity.
The discussion will highlight recent trends in inter-regional resource sharing, shifting enforcement priorities, and the potential implications of changes to EPA’s cooperative agreements with states, including the impact on inspection, coordination, and compliance expectations. The session will also include a real-world case study involving an antimicrobial product (non-HCPA member), offering practical lessons and compliance takeaways for companies operating in this increasingly complex enforcement environment.
Speaker:
Michael Boucher, Partner, Steptoe
The Executive Board oversees the activity of the Aerosol Products Division and discusses strategies for advancing and protecting the industry.
Microplastics: Emerging Risks and Strategies for Household Products
Microplastics are rapidly emerging as a critical environmental and human health concern, creating regulatory and reputational challenges for the consumer products industry. As companies pursue circular economy initiatives and sustainable packaging goals, the use and generation of microplastics – intentional or not – is increasingly in the spotlight. Public awareness, media coverage, and scientific research on microplastics are growing, suggesting that this issue may follow the trajectory of prior high-profile product safety concerns, such as BPA and PFAS.
This session will provide a comprehensive, multi-perspective view of microplastics risks and strategies for addressing them. Panelists will discuss:
This session is designed for professionals seeking a holistic view of microplastics, combining scientific, legal, policy, and technical perspectives to inform risk management and proactive sustainability strategies.
Speakers:
Lori Leskin, Partner, Arnold&Porter
Stephanie Schlea, Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association
Sean Sheppard, CEO at Radical Catalyst
Imari Walker-Franklin, Research Chemist, RTI International
With Keynote: Ron Brownstein, CNN Political Analyst, Bloomberg Opinion Columnist, and Former Editor for The Atlantic
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:
