RSPH

Despite difficult financial times, and the exodus to value brands, consumers continue to value the role played by external accreditation when they buy household cleaning materials, according to research undertaken by the Royal Society for Public Health.

Consumers continue to be sceptical about the hygiene benefits of anti-bacterial or germ-killing products, and fewer than half of them believe that these products are more effective than other cleaners. However, if the product has been endorsed by a public health organisation this rises to almost 60%, and 48% of consumers would be more likely to buy a cleaning product if it had this endorsement.

The study amongst a representative sample of 2000 consumers, undertaken by research specialists Marketing Sciences, reveals that even in these financially challenging times, consumers are using endorsement by trusted third parties to differentiate between products and guide their purchasing decisions.

Professor Richard Parish, chief executive of the Royal Society for Public Health, comments “This is the second year we have run this study, and it shows that there is remarkable consistency amongst consumers when it comes to their confidence in hygiene claims. This study demonstrates how much consumers value this type of independent validation in an area of expenditure that is so crucial to family health.”

ENDS

Note for editors

RSPH accredited products include Ariel Stain Remover Hygiene powder, Domestos bleach and the Dyson Airblade.

For further information please contact:
Anna Zilnyk
Tel: 020 7265 7324
Email: azilnyk@rsph.org.uk

Detailed results as follows

Q: Some cleaning products, such as washing up liquid, washing powder and surface cleaners indicate on their packaging that they have been accredited or endorsed by other organisations, such as the British Skin Foundation, or the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). To what extent would you agree or disagree with the following statements about these products?

• The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) is an independent, multi-disciplinary organisation, dedicated to the promotion and protection of collective human health and wellbeing. Through advocacy, mediation, empowerment, knowledge and practice we advise on policy development, provide education and training services, encourage scientific research, disseminate information and certify products, training centres and processes.
• The RSPH is the oldest public health body in the world and enjoys patronage of Her Majesty the Queen
• It is a registered charity operating under Royal Charter
• The RSPH is an awarding body recognised by Ofqual. Around 100,000 students take our qualifications each year through our network of over 1500 training centres throughout the UK. Our qualifications cover areas including health improvement, food hygiene, pest control, health & safety, nutrition and emergency planning.
• The RSPH is a membership organisation with almost 7,000 members. Membership of RSPH is a widely recognised mark of commitment to public health and brings real professional benefits.
• The RSPH run a wide variety of conferences covering topics such as food safety, water, infection control and occupational medicine as well as training programmes covering all aspects of health improvement
• The RSPH run an accreditation service for health and safety related products and manage the second largest food packaging certification scheme in the UK