Cleaning Tips

Why Buy American-Made Cleaning Products

Between globalization and the constant growth of technology, our world is more connected than ever before. We can easily buy products from anywhere in the world without any forethought or consideration. This type of commerce certainly has its pros — more options for consumers, more competitive prices, and more availability across a wide range of products and services. But, the onslaught of overseas-produced and manufactured items often creates a dilemma for the consumer: “What’s the difference? Why buy American-made goods? Why bother?” At Summit Brands, we strive to ensure all our household cleaning products are proudly made in the United States.

The following are some key reasons why American-made is so important and what it means for the consumer as well as the country.

Made in America: Serious Business

Before we get into the benefits of a made-in-America product, we should discuss how seriously the “Made in America” label is taken. Any company found to be misleading potential consumers into thinking that its product is American-made is in direct violation of the Made in U.S.A standard, which is federally upheld by the FTC (Federal Trade Commission). These offenses often carry hefty fines and cease-and-desist orders.

Better for the Environment

At Summit Brands, sustainability is one of our top priorities. From reduced emissions, waste, and water usage to green chemistry, Summit Brands aims to produce household cleaning solutions with an eye to sustainability. The production of all Plink brand items is just one way that we practice sustainable manufacturing.

Perhaps the most apparent advantage of supporting American manufactured items is reduced carbon emissions due to reduced transportation. An item made in America only has to travel a few hundred miles to arrive in the store. By contrast, items made in another country would need to journey thousands of miles. The shorter distances traveled reduce total fuel usage, and thus overall emissions. For this reason, American-made items are much more environmentally friendly.

Another consideration is the environmental protections gained through America’s regulations. Many countries which have attracted manufacturing business do so through fewer government regulations than the U.S. In the U.S, a factory may have to operate under the Clean Air Act, while that isn’t the case in places overseas.

For example, look at the environmental conditions in manufacturing-heavy China. 60% of the country’s underground water is undrinkable. China’s smog is shortening the lives of its citizens. While it may be economically cheaper to build products in China, the long-term effects are severe.

Our Government Cannot Control Foreign Labor Standards

Aside from lacking in environmental protection, popular manufacturing countries often have looser (or nonexistent) laws protecting the rights of workers. In a 2015 report by the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights, some startling findings came to light. Chinese workers producing goods for top American brands worked 13-hour days and slept on plywood bunk beds in crowded dormitories. Child labor has also been found in numerous countries around the world where manufacturing is a popular industry. These conditions have even proven deadly — in 2013, a garment factory in Bangladesh collapsed and killed over 1,000 employees.

U.S. employers hold higher standards for manufacturing labor, which is doubly enforced by both federal and state laws. By purchasing Made in U.S.A. products, you aren’t contributing to child labor, slavery, human trafficking, or the unsafe working conditions practiced in many other countries.

Jobs, Jobs, and More Jobs!

Purchasing a product like Plink or Glisten helps guarantees jobs for thousands of American people. The more money that is invested in buying American-made products, the more money will get put back into manufacturing American-Made goods. As this happens, the more the manufacturing sector will grow. By growing the manufacturing sector, more jobs are created that in turn, will push more money back into the economy. This is a process Summit Brands stands by!

Guaranteed Quality of Products

Summit Brands understands that when we place the “Made in the USA” icon our product that we are representing a higher standard of quality, excellent craftsmanship, and a superior product. Continuing to use foreign imports gives no guarantee of quality. While shipments and products can be monitored, there is no true guarantee of the quality and longevity of the imported goods.

Support Local Economies

When you buy American-made products, you’re creating a chain reaction of impact. Every Made in U.S.A. purchase supports our economy on a national level. They also support smaller-scale, local operations as well. Made-in-America items are produced in small towns and cities across the country — there may even be one of those towns near you. More employment and work for Americans means that more money will be invested in local economies across the nation. This provides further opportunities for future generations to thrive within our country.

Summit Brands — Making a Difference

Plink, along with Glisten, OUT, and Woolite don’t just help keep homes clean — they help keep our nation thriving by being produced in America.  Next time you find yourself browsing the shelves or shopping online, consider the importance of American-made solutions in our country and look for our products including Plink for your home cleaning needs.