Global Soap Project
Equinox Chemicals of Albany, GA and Albany State University will announce a partnership to actively support sound, environmentally friendly initiatives. Both organizations will work together to promote an ecologically-friendly laundry product manufactured by Albany-based Adco Products, LLC (a division of Equinox Chemicals), called “Adco Eco”. The announcement will be made at a press conference at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 17 in the ASU Student Center, near receptionist’s desk (second floor).
Adco Eco is biodegradable and free of all harmful dyes and perfumes. In addition to its environmental benefits, Adco Eco has a humanitarian focus. For every unit of the product sold, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to an Atlanta-based organization called the “Global Soap Project”.
“Equinox is a firm believer in our company’s social responsibility and we continuously endeavor to emulate the triple bottom line effect of people, planet and profits,” stated CEO Mark Grimaldi. “Having the opportunity to launch this product at such a respected institution of higher learning, and to mutually support the Global Soap Project further cements our company’s focus on quality, integrity and dependability,” Grimaldi added.
The Global Soap Project collects used soap from hotels, reprocesses it into new bars, and distributes the product to vulnerable populations around the world to save lives and improve global health. According to executive director Sam Stephens, 1,000 hotels participate in the effort and 23 countries worldwide are recipients of the recycled soap.
An estimated 2.4 million children die annually from hygiene and sanitation related illnesses such as diarrhea and pneumonia, which are preventable through improved hygiene and sanitation. At the same time, an estimated 2.6 million soap bars are discarded every day in the United States alone. Recycled soap reduces environmental waste and helps save lives.
Equinox Chemicals, working along with ASU’s local Enactus Chapter, will be partnering to bring this new product to market, with a test launch during ASU Homecoming weekend. “Albany State University Enactus (formerly SIFE) is proud to be a part of the Adco Eco Project. Part of our mission is to help build our community through various partnerships. Such a partnership will benefit our students, the ASU community at large, and all other stakeholders–who believe that all citizens have a responsibility to make the world a better place. We are enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with Equinox Chemicals and look forward to a longstanding, positive partnership,” shares faculty director Dr. Sandra Washington.
“ASU is proud to join the initiative with Equinox Chemicals. Teaming with a socially responsible corporation and neighbor fulfills one of the goals in our strategic plan – to provide leadership in community and global partnerships,” said Albany State President Everette J. Freeman.
“The joint partnership with Equinox Chemicals and Albany State University to support and protect the environment is certainly a first for our community that we are proud to embrace. The fact that an eco-friendly laundry product will be manufactured in Albany, which is biodegradable and free of harmful dyes and perfumes, will be of special benefit to those who are sensitive or allergic to most laundry products. Albany is indeed privileged and honored to be the home of two dynamic community minded organizations (Equinox Chemicals and Albany State University) and I applaud their efforts in working together to protect the environment,” said Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard.
For more information on the Global Soap Project, visit their website at: www.globalsoap.org.