Cheer

Introduction

Cheer is a widely recognized brand in the laundry detergent industry, known for its ability to deliver clean and bright results at competitive prices. Founded in 1950 by The Procter & Gamble Company, Cheer has established itself as a staple in households across the United States. The brand aims to provide consumers with effective cleaning solutions while promoting the joy of clean clothes. Over the years, Cheer has evolved its offerings to meet consumer demands for convenience and performance, all while maintaining its family-friendly appeal.

The philosophy behind Cheer centers around practicality and effectiveness. The brand is committed to providing high-quality laundry products that simplify the washing process and enhance the freshness of clothes. Cheer embraces a vibrant and colorful ethos, evident in its branding and packaging, which reflects the joy and brightness that comes with clean clothing. This philosophy resonates with consumers who seek not only a reliable cleaning product but also a brand that embodies a positive and cheerful approach to everyday laundering tasks.

What makes Cheer special is its dedication to consumer satisfaction and its understanding of diverse laundry needs. Over the years, the brand has continuously innovated, releasing specialized formulas that cater to particular fabric types and cleaning preferences. This adaptability, combined with its established reputation for quality, sets Cheer apart in a competitive market. As such, the brand has managed to cultivate a loyal customer base that trusts Cheer for consistent results and dependable performance.

Signature Products

Cheer’s range of laundry products helps to solidify its brand identity, providing consumers with reliable choices perfect for any washing needs.

• Cheer Powder Detergent : This versatile powder formula effectively cleans and brightens clothes, ensuring dirt and stains are easily lifted while maintaining the integrity of fabrics.
• Cheer Liquid Detergent : A liquid formula designed for deep cleaning; it penetrates fabric fibers to remove tough stains while leaving clothes with a refreshing scent.
• Cheer Free & Gentle : Tailored for sensitive skin, this hypoallergenic option provides a gentle yet effective cleaning experience, free from dyes and perfumes.
• Cheer Color Guard : Specifically formulated to protect bright colors from fading, this detergent helps maintain vibrant hues in clothes wash after wash.

Materials and Ingredients Used by Cheer

• Sodium Laureth Sulfate : This ingredient is a surfactant commonly used in many cleaning products. It helps to create lather and emulsify oils and dirt, making it effective for removing grime. Cheer uses it in their formulations to enhance cleaning efficiency and produce a pleasant foaming action.
• Sodium Borate : Also known as borax, this ingredient serves as a cleaning booster and pH buffer. It helps to soften water and enhance the effectiveness of other cleaning agents. Cheer incorporates it to improve the overall performance of their cleaning products, especially in hard water conditions.
• Propylene Glycol : This ingredient is a commonly used humectant and solvent in various formulations. It helps retain moisture and improves the texture of products. Cheer utilizes propylene glycol to enhance the consistency and stability of their product formulations.
• Sodium Formate : This ingredient acts as a buffering agent and is often used to help maintain the desired pH level in formulations. Cheer employs sodium formate to optimize the effectiveness of their products and ensure consistent performance across different applications.
• Ethanolamine : This ingredient is often used as a pH adjusting agent and a surfactant. It can help improve the solubility of other ingredients and enhance the overall efficacy of cleaning products. Cheer includes ethanolamine to aid in formulation stability and cleaning performance.

Things to Keep in Mind When Buying From Cheer

Pollution:

Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) contributes to pollution issues primarily through its manufacturing process. The ethoxylation of dodecyl alcohol to produce SLES can release harmful byproducts into the environment if not carefully managed. For example, the potential release of 1,4-dioxane, a probable human carcinogen, into waterways is a significant concern. Its manufacturing requires extensive purification to remove these contaminants before the compound can be safely used in products such as detergents and shampoos. Pollution also arises from wastewater containing SLES, which can lead to increased chemical oxygen demand (COD) in water bodies, affecting aquatic life.

Resource Depletion and Energy Consumption:

The production of Sodium Laureth Sulfate involves the use of petroleum-derived dodecyl alcohol. Extracting and refining petroleum is an energy-intensive process often associated with environmental degradation, including oil spills and habitat destruction. The refining and processing stages consume significant amounts of energy, often derived from fossil fuels, thereby contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Similarly, the production of Propylene Glycol, a petrochemical, involves high-energy processes that amplify the carbon footprint.

Mining Impact:

Sodium borate, also known as borax, is typically obtained through mining activities that have significant environmental repercussions. Large-scale open-pit mining, necessary for its extraction, can lead to landscape alteration and habitat destruction. Additionally, this process often requires the use of substantial amounts of water, putting a strain on local water resources, especially in arid regions. This was evident in the case of the Boron Open Pit in California, one of the largest sources of borate, where environmental concerns have been raised due to water usage and dust pollution.

Toxic Emissions:

The production of Ethanolamine entails chemical reactions that generate hazardous emissions. This ingredient is synthesized by reacting ethylene oxide, a toxic and flammable compound, with ammonia. The handling of ethylene oxide poses safety risks due to its carcinogenic properties and potential to form explosive mixtures in air. Moreover, any accidental release during the synthesis can have detrimental impacts on both plant workers and nearby communities. Proper containment and monitoring systems are essential to minimize the risks associated with these emissions.

Effluent Disposal:

During the production of Sodium Formate, effluents that may contain chemicals and byproducts are generated. These effluents need adequate treatment before disposal to prevent environmental contamination. Without efficient effluent treatment processes, these discharges can lead to increased salinity and toxicity in nearby water bodies, affecting aquatic ecosystems. Regulatory compliance and the adoption of advanced wastewater treatment technologies are necessary to mitigate these impacts.

These issues are intricately linked to the supply chain of the brand and necessitate careful consideration to ensure environmental and social responsibility. By addressing these challenges, Cheer can contribute to more sustainable business practices that protect the environment and communities involved in their material sourcing and production.