Ecolabel for Detergents: EU Ecolabel, Guarantee of Sustainability and Efficiency
Ecolabel for Detergents. The EU Ecolabel certifies cleaning products and detergents that meet strict environmental and performance standards, offering a sustainable alternative without compromising effectiveness. This label applies to dishwashing detergents, textile detergents, and cleaning products for both domestic and professional use, combining stringent requirements for ingredient selection, manufacturing processes, and efficiency testing.
Key Benefits
- Reduced Environmental Impact: Limits the use of toxic substances and promotes the responsible sourcing of raw materials, such as sustainably certified vegetable oils.
- High Performance: Products must match or exceed the performance of conventional alternatives, validated through standardized tests.
- Circular Economy: Requires recyclable or recycled-content packaging to minimize plastic waste.
- Safety: Eliminates harmful compounds such as skin sensitizers or endocrine disruptors.
Prohibited Substances
The EU Ecolabel bans ingredients with high environmental or health risks:
- EDTA and its salts, which persist in water and harm aquatic life.
- Microplastics and triclosan, linked to marine pollution and bacterial resistance.
- Carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic substances for reproduction (CMR), as well as respiratory sensitizers.Additionally, it restricts fragrances, dyes, and enzymes, allowing only those with low toxicological profiles.
Mandatory Efficiency Tests
To obtain certification, products must demonstrate effectiveness in:
- Stain and Dirt Removal: Tested using protocols like IEC 60456 to compare performance against a reference detergent on standardized fabrics.
- Color and Fiber Preservation: Evaluates dye transfer and material wear after multiple washes.
- Optimal Dosage: Usage instructions must ensure recommended amounts per wash do not exceed established limits (e.g., 16 g/kg for textile detergents).
In March 2024, the EU began revising these criteria to align with scientific advancements and regulatory updates, strengthening requirements for biodegradability and carbon footprint reduction. This process underscores the commitment to maintaining the EU Ecolabel as a benchmark for sustainable innovation.
For businesses, adopting the EU Ecolabel not only ensures compliance with regulations like the European Green Deal but also enhances corporate reputation by avoiding greenwashing practices. Afterward, certain products demonstrate that it is possible to combine high-performance biotechnological concentrates with toxin-free formulas, reducing plastic and water use by up to 30%.Consequently, the EU Ecolabel thus represents a balance between performance and environmental responsibility, supported by independent verifications that ensure transparency and trustworthiness.
Do you need help to obtain the Ecolabel Certificate for your cleaning products? Nordiik can help, contact us!
Image: Freepik
