Ecological professional cleaning product: label and certification

Cleaning product offerings claiming to be sustainably manufactured or environmentally friendly have taken a significant market share in the world of professional and industrial cleaning. Whether in dishwashing , kitchen cleaning or sanitary products (which are among the most aggressive)... there are now less aggressive alternatives for surfaces and users, less risk of allergies or irritation: this is the objective of choosing Eco-responsible formulas!
Several labels and certifications have appeared with different standards that need to be differentiated. The best known and the one that is the reference in the world of cleaning, maintenance and professional single-use is the Ecolabel , but now Ecocert and Nordik Swan are undisputed references .

Ecological labels and AFNOR certification

AFNOR determines the "categorization" of a label . Within the framework of the 3 most widespread labels, namely Ecolabel, Ecocert and Nordik Swan , they are all 3 classified in category 1 within the meaning of AFNOR within the framework of the ISO 14024 standard. Ecocert was long considered a "secondary" label but for several years its reference. This article aims to compare the labels and certifications that you may encounter in the world of professional cleaning and especially to be careful of the "self-proclaimed labels" of certain manufacturers based only on "internal" specifications.

The European Ecolabel: the benchmark

The European Ecolabel is the one most demanded and requested in the specifications of calls for tenders wishing to integrate an "ecological" and "environmental" criterion in their choice.
The Ecolabel is a European label created by EU environment ministers. It is awarded to products that do not harm the environment during their life cycle, from raw materials to waste disposal. It was created in 1992, three years after the Nordic label "Nordik Swann," although many believe it was the first. It currently covers 32 product categories.

What is an Ecolabel certified cleaning product?

Ecolabel-certified professional cleaning products are designed with their life cycle in mind: from raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, and use to recycling or disposal of the product after use. All professional cleaning and maintenance products are formulated to ensure effectiveness and reduce impacts on humans and the environment.
Raw materials are selected based on their toxicity and degradability factors, and each product undergoes performance tests to ensure optimal effectiveness compared to traditional products.

Ecolabel product with European Ecolabel

This label is a unique European label managed by AFNOR (French standardization association).
The ecolabel distinguishes products with an ecological guarantee from other products.
The guarantee is twofold: the quality of use and the limitation of its impacts on the environment throughout its life cycle (from production to use) must be validated within the framework of the ecolabel. The ecolabel is awarded to products that do not damage the environment during their life cycle, from raw materials to waste disposal.
The ecolabel requires:
No unwanted substances (musks, formaldehyde, alkyl phenol, quaternary ammoniums, toxic for the environment, reduced allergens). No biocides. Possibility of incorporating colorants: food and non-classified for the environment; Active ingredients of natural origin.
Ecolabel criteria
Performance tests must be conducted to prove the product's effectiveness. Glass cleaners must have a water content of less than 95%. Other cleaners must have a water content of less than 90%.
Be Ecolabelled to the extent that the criteria exist (impossible for insecticides, bactericides, pre-wash stain removers); Choose non-hazardous materials of plant and/or natural origin; Choose perfumes that are part of the Ecolabel and reduced in allergens; Ensure final biodegradability on the product (OECD 301 and 302) Ensure the absence of a hazard symbol on the label.

What are the criteria for Ecolabel professional cleaning products?

• Toxicity limit
• Little or no phosphates
• Biodegradability of surfactants
• Classification of the product and raw materials: no CMR, no sensitizer, no danger to the environment
• Low VOCs
• List of prohibited raw materials: EDTA, NTA, polycyclic musk, quaternary ammonium
• Food safety of colorants
• Compliance of perfumes with IFRA (according to the manufacturing and formulation requirement defined in a code of conduct for perfumers)
• Limited concentration of preservatives (cosmetic directive)
• No antimicrobial claim. This means that a disinfectant product cannot claim the Ecolabel.
• Products must be concentrated
• Recyclable packaging
• Effectiveness criteria
• Instructions for the user to be mentioned on the label
• Formulation of industrial users

The Ecocert label, a French certification

Ecocert certification, developed in France in 1991, was the first French label. It has established itself as a benchmark in the field of ecological products . For cleaning products, Ecocert has created a specific standard called "Eco-detergents" which guarantees the use of natural ingredients and environmentally friendly manufacturing processes.
This label comes in two variants: " Ecodetergent " and " Ecodetergent made with organic ingredients ." The first allows up to 5% of synthetic ingredients (from a restrictive list) and prohibits environmental risk phrases on the product. The second, more stringent, requires that at least 10% of the ingredients be of organic origin and that no risk phrases appear on the label.
Ecocert rigorously monitors the entire production chain, from raw material sourcing to final packaging. Regular audits ensure that quality standards are maintained and specifications are consistently met.
Ecocert-certified products are particularly popular in sensitive sectors such as the food industry, where safety and the absence of chemical residues are paramount. They offer an effective cleaning solution while preserving indoor air quality and limiting pollutant discharge into wastewater.
You can also find the "Ecocert Cosmos" certification for cosmetic products such as liquid soaps . In our range, you will find liquid soaps made in France and compliant with this label.

Nordic Swan Label:

This label dates back to 1989 and originates from the Scandinavian countries . It is classified in category 1 according to AFNOR and complies with the ISO 14024 standard . It currently covers 63 product categories.
The aim of the Nordic Ecolabel is to reduce the list of raw materials, biodegradable surfactants and limit the use of non-biodegradable materials.
For professional cleaning products, Nordic Swan imposes strict restrictions on hazardous substances (CMR, EDTA, NTA, etc.). In particular, carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic compounds (CMR), endocrine disruptors and substances classified as being of very high concern by the European Union are prohibited.
This label also guarantees the biodegradability of the ingredients and the effectiveness of the product at low doses . Performance tests are carried out to ensure that certified solutions provide satisfactory results under real-life usage conditions.
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel performance objective is an assessment of product performance in the field. A test report validated by the certification body.
Regarding packaging, it is of course about limiting the quantity of packaging and favoring concentrated products.
An annual control audit is scheduled as part of the certification.
Labeling instructions
Be Ecolabeled to the extent that the criteria exist (impossible for insecticides, bactericides, pre-wash stain removers);
Choose non-hazardous materials of plant and/or natural origin .
Choose fragrances that comply with the Ecolabel and are low in allergens.
Ensure final biodegradability on the product (OECD 301 and 302)
Ensure that there is no hazard symbol on the label.

Comparison of the 3 Ecolabel / Nordik Swan and Ecocert labels

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