• Login
    • Join
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Exclusives
    • Applications
    • Technology
    • Market
    • Other
    • Top 40
    • Buyers Guide
    • Hygiene Directory
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Exclusives
  • Applications
  • Technology
  • Market
  • Other
  • Top 40
  • Buyers Guide
  • Hygiene Directory
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Editorial
    Columns
    Digital Edition
    Southeast Asia Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    Top Features
    A Conversation with the Responsible Flushing Alliance

    Nice-Pak Meets Consumer Demands

    Home Care Wipes: Sustainability in Sharper Focus as Cleaning Frenzy Simmers Following Pandemic

    Face Masks in Asia

    Kingsafe’s Growth Path
    Company Cameo
    Financial News
    Machinery Equipment
    New Products
    Nonwovens News
    Patent Review
    People in the News
    Supplier News
    Top News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    Honest Company Plans IPO

    Asia Wipes Summit Held Successfully in Shanghai

    Precision Textiles Offers Biodegradable Medical Fabric

    Northshore Launches Megamax Briefs in New Colors

    Metrex Launches CaviWipe 2.0 Surface Disinfectant Wipes
    Nonwovens Insights
    Online Exclusives
    Absorbent Core
    Adult Incontinence
    Antimicrobials
    Apparel
    Automotive and Transportation
    Chemicals / Adhesives
    Construction
    Contract Services
    Diaper, Baby
    Electronics
    Feminine Hygiene
    Fibers
    Filtration
    Flame Retardance
    Geotextile / Agrotextile
    Home Products
    Hygiene Film/Components
    Industrial / Institutional
    Inspection / Quality Control
    Machinery and Equipment
    Medical
    Wipes

    Honest Company Plans IPO

    Asia Wipes Summit Held Successfully in Shanghai

    Precision Textiles Offers Biodegradable Medical Fabric

    Northshore Launches Megamax Briefs in New Colors

    Metrex Launches CaviWipe 2.0 Surface Disinfectant Wipes
    Air Through Bonding
    Airlaid
    Carded/Carding
    Chemical Bonded
    Composite
    Meltblown
    Needlepunch
    Nanotechnology
    Spunbond
    Spunlace
    Thermal Bonded
    Wetlaid

    Mondi Starts Face Mask Production in Germany

    Meltblown—Nonwovens' Golden Fleece

    Armbrust Expands Product Line Up

    Spotlight on Spunlace

    Wolf Starts Up Meltblown Line
    China
    Eastern Europe/Russia
    India
    Middle East/North Africa
    North America
    Pacific Rim
    South/Central America
    Turkey
    Western Europe

    ANEX+SINCE to be Held in July

    Kingsafe’s Growth Path

    Southeast Asia Nonwoven Capacity and Demand Development

    Jofo Focuses on Expansion

    Supreme Nonwoven Group
    Associations
    Contracts / Awards
    Education
    Facilities / Capacity
    Green / Sustainability
    Legal / Regulatory
    Market Data
    Mergers and Acquisitions
    Product Improvement / Innovation
    R&D/Basic Research
    Shows / Events

    Asia Wipes Summit Held Successfully in Shanghai

    European Nonwovens Production Exceeds 3 Million Tons

    INDEX Postponed to October

    ANEX+SINCE to be Held in July

    Bondex Adds Needlepunch Line in SC
    Chart
    Companies
    All Companies
    Categories
    Company Profiles
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Investkonsult Sweden AB

    WEIMA America, Inc.

    Schott & Meissner Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH

    Alliance Machine and Engraving

    Dukane
    Brands
    Brand Owners
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Columns
      • Digital Edition
      • Southeast Asia Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Buyers Guide
      • All Companies
      • Categories
      • Company Profiles
      • Add Your Company
    • Applications
      • Absorbent Core
      • Adult Incontinence
      • Antimicrobials
      • Apparel
      • Automotive and Transportation
      • Chemicals / Adhesives
      • Construction
      • Contract Services
      • Diaper, Baby
      • Electronics
      • Feminine Hygiene
      • Fibers
      • Filtration
      • Flame Retardance
      • Geotextile / Agrotextile
      • Home Products
      • Hygiene Film/Components
      • Industrial / Institutional
      • Inspection / Quality Control
      • Machinery and Equipment
      • Medical
      • Wipes
    • Technology
      • Air Through Bonding
      • Airlaid
      • Carded/Carding
      • Chemical Bonded
      • Composite
      • Meltblown
      • Needlepunch
      • Nanotechnology
      • Spunbond
      • Spunlace
      • Thermal Bonded
      • Wetlaid
    • Market
      • China
      • Eastern Europe/Russia
      • India
      • Middle East/North Africa
      • North America
      • Pacific Rim
      • South/Central America
      • Turkey
      • Western Europe
    • Other
      • Associations
      • Contracts / Awards
      • Education
      • Facilities / Capacity
      • Green / Sustainability
      • Legal / Regulatory
      • Market Data
      • Mergers and Acquisitions
      • Product Improvement / Innovation
      • R&D/Basic Research
      • Shows / Events
    • Top 40 Companies
      • Chart
      • Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Hygiene Directory
      • Brands
      • Brand Owners
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Infographics
    • Whitepapers
    • Jobs
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Events
      • Webinars
      • Live From Asian Connections
    • Resources
      • Suppliers Gallery
      • Literature Showcase
      • Web Showcase
      • Home Page Showcase
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Capitol Comments

    EPA Wiper Rule Finally Moves Toward Competion

    INDA submits comments to CPSC on nonwoven fire barriers.

    Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs & Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs, INDA08.06.13
    After almost 30 years, it appears the Environmental Protection Agency's long awaited solvent-contaminated industrial wiper rule (a.k.a. "wiper rule") is on its way to being completed once and for all. On June 25, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced it had finished its review of the highly anticipated rule, completing the last substantive step in the regulatory process before the rule can be published in its final form. As INDA members may recall, the EPA had wrapped up work on its draft final rule and sent it to OMB for review in April 2012, leading stakeholders to believe it would be finalized by the end of last summer.

    Unfortunately, the rule stalled at OMB due to a backlog of similar pending regulatory reviews, leading EPA to predict in a recent semi-annual agenda that it would not be completed until October 2013. It is unclear what prompted OMB to conclude its work ahead of schedule, but recent media and Capitol Hill criticism of the delays in regulatory review process, as well as dogged appeals from groups like INDA likely served as a catalyst to move things forward.

    Although concrete details will not be available until the rule is signed and released, it is expected the final rule will establish conditions under which single-use wipes used in industrial settings will be exempt from onerous hazardous waste regulations, and users exempt from the related onerous handling and disposal requirements. Meanwhile, laundered shop towels, which are currently only subject to a hodgepodge of much looser and often conflicting state regulations, will be brought into the federal regime, and provided conditions under which they may be exempt from the definition of solid waste. 

    While the specific timeline is still unclear, if all goes as expected, INDA is hopeful that a final industrial wiper rule will be published by the end of the summer. Once it is, INDA will review the regulatory language and provide its members a summary of the key details.

    To learn more about the background of the industrial wiper rule, go to: www.epa.gov/osw/hazard/wastetypes/wasteid/solvents/wipes.htm.

    INDA submits comments to CPSC on nonwoven fire barriers

    On July 1, INDA submitted comments to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) describing the use of nonwoven fire barrier technologies to inform the Commission as it moves forward on its 20-year effort to develop federal flammability standards for upholstered furniture. 

    As readers may recall, after many years of work, CPSC published a proposed furniture flammability standard in March 2008. Progress on the standard, however, slowed as the Commission was forced to shift resources towards the implementation of the massive Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act passed in late 2007. Staff, in the meantime, focused its energy on conducting performance testing as set forth in the proposal.

    Recently mounting concerns about the dangers of chemical flame retardants, as well CPSC test results that showed great promise for fire barrier technologies prompted the agency to revisit the issue. On March 20, the Commission announced it would hold a public hearing on April 25 and accept written submissions until July 1 on barrier and other fire safety technologies and other questions related to the rulemaking.  INDA government affairs staff attended the April 25 hearing and coordinated a task force of ten member companies to prepare a response to the CPSC request.  The Commission ultimately received nearly 50 written submissions from individuals and organizations like INDA.

    In its submission, INDA detailed the diverse array of technologies its members use to reduce flammability, explaining that some companies rely upon inherently fire retardant fibers while others use chemicals that are known to be safe.  While concerns about harmful chemicals including certain fire retardants may be justified, INDA noted there are many safe chemicals that are highly effective in protecting against fire losses, and reiterated its members' commitment to developing technologies that mitigate potential exposure impacts while providing the optimum fire performance available.

    In response to Commission questions about whether fire barriers utilized by other industries could be used in upholstered furniture, INDA explained that its members have crafted nonwoven fire barriers to meet flammability standards for mattresses, commercial furniture and airline seating, and can do so to meet an upholstered furniture standard, although most situations will likely require some customization to meet the unique characteristics of the piece of furniture.  Fortunately, INDA pointed out, nonwovens are capable of being altered quite easily to address the severity of various burn tests and can be made softer, stronger, thinner and more abrasion resistant according to manufacturers’ specifications. 

    Although the American Home Furnishings Alliance, an industry group comprised of retailers and furniture, foam and textile manufacturers, argued in its submission that using barriers in upholstered furniture could increase costs anywhere from 13% to more than 40%, INDA emphasized that just as there are many varieties of furniture at many price points, prices will range for nonwoven fire barrier solutions as well. As was the case when the nonwovens industry responded to the mattress flammability standard, INDA said its member companies will develop products that meet whatever standard CPSC adopts for furniture and will work with manufacturers to come up with economical options that suit their needs.

    It was the CPSC's request for input on a preferred test method for the standard (i.e. smoldering ignition from smoking materials versus an open flame test, that accounts for exposure to matches, lighters and candles) that proved to be the most divisive among the commenters. INDA argued that while nonwoven barriers are capable of reducing loss and injury from fires caused by smoldering or open flame, a standard that includes an open flame test would maximize fire safety by addressing multiple fire sources. The American Chemistry Council’s North American Flame Retardant Alliance (NAFRA) also supported the need for both an open flame test and smolder test, “to ensure adequate fire safety, and allow compliance flexibility." On the other hand, the Alliance for Toxic-Free Fire Safety and a coalition of individuals and various environmental groups urged the CPSC to adopt a smolder only test, equating an open flame test with a mandate to use toxic chemicals.  Furniture industry groups also urged the CPSC to adopt a smolder only test, reasoning that most furniture fires are caused by cigarettes, therefore, most fires can be addressed with less impact on the comfort, styling and cost of furniture.

    INDA concluded by reiterating that its members make an array of innovative, versatile nonwoven fire barrier technologies that are safe for the consumer and the environment, and can be modified to meet furniture manufacturers’ specifications at a full range of prices, as well as the specifics of whatever standard the CPSC settles upon. Most importantly, INDA noted, these products are extremely effective at significantly reducing the threat of residential furniture fires that have already cost far too many lives, injuries and property losses. 

    As it stands, the CPSC has not indicated what the next steps will be, but if the broad range of opinions in the written submission are any indication, the Commission may have its work cut out for it.

    To read INDA’s comments, go to: www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=CPSC-2008-0005-0040.
    Related Searches
    • fiber
    • fibers
    • nonwovens
    • barrier
    Related Knowledge Center
    • Wipes
    • Fibers

    Related Capitol Comments

    • Legal/Regulatory | North America | Wipes

      DC Approves Flushable/Non-Flushable Labeling Requirements for Consumer Nonwovens

      If approved, bill will be first of its kind in the U.S.
      Peter G. Mayberry 01.02.17

    • Apparel | Fibers | Pacific Rim

      New Report Assesses Impacts of TPP Implementation on the U.S. Economy

      Trade agreement bodes well for nonwovens, would reduce tariffs on exports to Vietnam and Japan
      Peter Mayberry, Contributing Editor 07.15.16

    • Fibers | Filtration | India | Wipes

      White House Issues Executive Order to Promote Competition in the U.S. Market

      Spirit of competition in nonwovens was alive at 2016 IDEA show.
      Peter G. Mayberry, Contributing Editor 06.09.16


    • Fibers | Legal/Regulatory

      Residential Insulation Under Review at the Federal Trade Commission:

      Public Comments on FTC’s R-Value Rule Now Being Accepted
      Peter Mayberry, contributing editor 05.13.16

    • Wipes

      FTC Publishes Statement on Antitrust Law Enforcement Principles

      Agency is flexing it muscles when it comes to anit-consumer activities.
      Peter Mayberry, contributing editor 04.12.16

    • Associations | North America | Wipes

      FTC Ruling, Potential Bans, and Litigation All Pose Serious Industry Challenges for Flushable Wipes

      Wipes’ role in sewage woes continues to be scrutinized.
      Peter Mayberry, contributor 07.20.15


    • Construction | Fibers | Legal/Regulatory | North America | Wipes

      Industrial Wiper Rule Implementation; Upholstered Furniture Flammability Standard; Miscellaneous Tar

      Update on key initiatives affecting the nonwovens industry.
      By Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs & Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 01.12.15

    • Fibers | Legal/Regulatory | North America | Wipes

      Update on the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill

      International Trade Data System on Target to be Completed by Dec. 2016; Urgent Request for Nonwovens to Help Fight Ebola; California Governor Signs Plastic Bag Ban Creating New Opportunities for Reusable Bags
      Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs & Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs, INDA, association of the nonwoven fabrics industry 12.02.14

    • Fibers | Legal/Regulatory

      Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Update

      Environmental Protection Agency releases significant new use rules for 36 chemicals; Plastic bag ban passes California Assembly; Electronic submission of Lacey Act Declarations.
      Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs & Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 10.02.14


    • Fibers | Legal/Regulatory | Nanotechnology | Wipes

      INDA Seeks Members for Product Stewardship Committee on Industrial Wipes

      Manufacturers lobby Congress to pass Miscellaneous Tariff Bill; FDA releases guidance documents on nanotechnology.
      Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs and Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs, INDA, Association of Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 08.13.14

    • Fibers | Legal/Regulatory

      EPA Proposes Rule Limiting Carbon Emissions by Coal Plants

      Rep. Maloney introduces bill concerning chemicals in menstrual hygiene products; Congress takes up expired tax extenders.
      Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs, and Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs, INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 07.15.14

    • Apparel | Fibers

      Trade Policy Outlook

      T-Tip, TPP, TPA, MTB and GSP
      Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs and Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs, INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 06.09.14


    • Fibers | India | Legal/Regulatory

      Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Update

      Plus, another delay of health reform employer mandate; INDA submits comments on OSHA recordkeeping rule; U.S. and Brazil team to promote investment; and U.S. files WTO case against India.
      Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs & Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 03.25.14

    • Fibers | Legal/Regulatory | Wipes

      Miscellaneous Tariff Bill Update

      FDA proposes rule on antibacterial soaps; global trade initiative on environmental goods; and WTO completes trade facilitation deal.
      Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs & Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 03.20.14

    • Electronics | Fibers | Legal/Regulatory

      New California Furniture Flammability Standard Takes Effect

      Plus, Miscellaneous Tariff Bill update.
      Jessica Franken, Director of Government Affairs & Dawnee Giammittorio, Associate Director of Government Affairs INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry 02.18.14

    Trending
    • Precision Textiles Offers Biodegradable Medical Fabric
    • Honest Company Plans IPO
    • NXTNano Adding Three Lines
    • Tufropes Launches Inherently Antibacterial And Antimicrobial Spunbond
    • U.S. Nonwovens Rebrands As Radienz Living
    Breaking News
    • Aries Face Masks Meet ASTM Standards
    • Tufropes Launches Inherently Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Spunbond
    • NXTNano Adding Three Lines
    • Honest Company Plans IPO
    • Asia Wipes Summit Held Successfully in Shanghai
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    Household and Personal Care Wipes Spring 2021

    • A Conversation with the Responsible Flushing Alliance
    • Nice-Pak Meets Consumer Demands
    • Wipes Manufacturers Meet Demand Surge
    • Home Care Wipes: Sustainability in Sharper Focus as Cleaning Frenzy Simmers Following Pandemic
    • View More >



    Cookies help us to provide you with an excellent service. By using our website, you declare yourself in agreement with our use of cookies.
    You can obtain detailed information about the use of cookies on our website by clicking on "More information”.

    • About Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms And Conditions
    • Contact Us

    follow us

    Subscribe
    Nutraceuticals World

    Latest Breaking News From Nutraceuticals World

    4-week Fish Oil Regimen Showed Significant Muscular Damage Protection in Recent Study
    Review Covers Role of Vitamin K2 in the ‘Calcium Paradox’
    KD Pharma Acquires Rohner AG Manufacturing Assets
    Coatings World

    Latest Breaking News From Coatings World

    Jebsen & Jessen, Innospec Sign Distribution Agreement
    Sika Expands Production Capacity in Qatar
    Sto Corp. ISO Certifications Extended
    Medical Product Outsourcing

    Latest Breaking News From Medical Product Outsourcing

    MICRO Expands with New Facility in Costa Rica
    DiaSorin to Buy Luminex for $1.8B
    Endologix Acquires PQ Bypass
    Contract Pharma

    Latest Breaking News From Contract Pharma

    Catalent Biologics Completes Madison Expansion
    Lonza Expands PyroTec PRO for Endotoxin Testing
    FDA Accepts Airway Therapeutics’ IND for COVID Treatment
    Beauty Packaging

    Latest Breaking News From Beauty Packaging

    Revieve Launches Skin Coach
    Carlyle Group Acquires Majority Stake in Beautycounter
    The Honest Co. Files for an Initial Public Offering
    Happi

    Latest Breaking News From Happi

    Babor Professional Skin Care Names McCaffrey as Vice President of Sales
    Diamond Chemical Appoints Technical Service Representative
    Carlyle To Acquire Majority Stake in Beautycounter
    Ink World

    Latest Breaking News From Ink World

    Kumon North America Adds Speedmaster XL 106 from Heidelberg
    SE-DA Invests in Kornit Presto S
    Iron Oxide Pigments Market to Register 4.7% CAGR from 2021 to 2028: GVR
    Label & Narrow Web

    Latest Breaking News From Label & Narrow Web

    Enprom helps converter respond to flexible packaging needs
    anytron assists medical device company with labeling
    Dantex debuts new capabilities with white ink opacity
    Nonwovens Industry

    Latest Breaking News From Nonwovens Industry

    Aries Face Masks Meet ASTM Standards
    Tufropes Launches Inherently Antibacterial and Antimicrobial Spunbond
    NXTNano Adding Three Lines
    Orthopedic Design & Technology

    Latest Breaking News From Orthopedic Design & Technology

    GreenBone Ortho Closes 10 Million Euros Series B Funding Round
    SynerFuse, Cirtec Medical Partner to Develop Back Pain Management Device
    New Biosealant Could Stabilize Cartilage, Boost Healing After Injury
    Printed Electronics Now

    Latest Breaking News From Printed Electronics Now

    Virtual ASMC 2021 Spotlights Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing Excellence
    First Solar Series 6 CuRe has Industry’s Lowest Warranted Degradation Rate
    SEMI: 2020 Global Semiconductor Equipment Sales Surge 19% to Industry Record $71.2 Billion

    Copyright © 2021 Rodman Media. All rights reserved. Use of this constitutes acceptance of our privacy policy The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Rodman Media.

    AD BLOCKER DETECTED

    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors.
    Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.


    FREE SUBSCRIPTION Already a subscriber? Login