The American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) successfully relaunched its signature event for consumer goods executives with the 2025 Fabric & Home Care Forum, held concurrently with the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo. The invitation-only Forum brought together industry leaders to address sustainability challenges and scientific innovations in consumer products.
“There is no other conference where I can participate in the science of fabric and home care products the way we do here,” said Bill Scheper, industry leader and member of the organizing committee.
The Forum, designed as an intimate gathering to foster high-level dialogue, featured presentations from executives and researchers across diverse geographies and company sizes. Presentations focused on three key themes:
- Science-Based Sustainability Approaches: Jerry Porter (Procter & Gamble) and Takaya Sakai (Kao Corporation) shared how their companies develop products that reduce environmental impact while creating consumer value, while Tom Etheridge (EarthShift Global) provided insights on life-cycle assessments.
- Sustainable Feedstock Development: Nathan Sell (American Cleaning Institute), Jan Schoeneboom (BASF), and Sarvesh Agrawal (ExxonMobil) explored emerging sources for sustainable chemistry, including mass balance approaches for transitioning to responsible biomass feedstocks.
- Predictive Safety Modeling: Marjory Moreau (ScitoVation), Kamel Mansouri (US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences), and Kevin Goodall (Procter & Gamble) presented advanced techniques for environmental and safety risk assessment.
The Forum’s revival addresses a critical gap in the industry’s knowledge-sharing ecosystem. Prior to the pandemic, the World Conference on Fabric & Home Care had been a 40-year tradition, held in locations including Montreux, Switzerland, Singapore, and the United States. The 2020 conference planned for Shanghai was canceled due to COVID-19.
Industry enthusiasm for the event’s return was evident. One past attendee noted, “I do not think there is any more relevant and salient venue that brings together leaders from major consumer product companies worldwide, to showcase not only technology and innovation, but also changes in businesses, sustainability and relevance in European, Asian and North American markets.”
AOCS announced that the next Fabric & Home Care Forum will be held at the Hilton Chicago in 2027.
About AOCS
The American Oil Chemists’ Society (AOCS) advances the science and technology of oils, fats, proteins, surfactants, and related materials, enriching the lives of people everywhere.