Ecolabel certified cleaning product what is it?
Ecolabel certified products are designed taking into account their life cycle: from extraction of materials
first, manufacture, distribution, and use until recycling or disposal of the product after use.
All the products are formulated to guarantee the effectiveness and the reduction of the impacts on the Man and the Environment.
The raw materials are selected according to their toxicity and degradability factors, and each product is subjected to performance tests that guarantee optimal efficiency compared to traditional products.
The criteria for Ecolabel cleaning products
• Toxicity limit
• No or few phosphates
• Biodegradability of surfactants
• Classification of the product and the raw materials: no CMR, no sensitizer, no dangerous for the environment
• Low VOCs
• List of forbidden raw materials: EDTA, NTA, polycyclic musk, quaternary ammonium
• Food coloring
• Perfume compliance with IFRA (according to the manufacturing and formulation requirement defined in a code of conduct for perfumers)
• Concentration of preservatives limited (cosmetic directive)
• No antimicrobial claim
• Products must be concentrated
• Recyclable packaging
• Efficiency criteria
• Instructions for the user to mention on the label
• Formulation of industrial users
Ecological labels and environmental standards
The European Ecolabel
The ecolabel is a European label created by EU environment ministers. The ecolabel is awarded to products that do not harm the environment during their life cycle, from raw material to waste disposal.
In Belgium, 25% of local authorities use ecological ecolabel detergents.
The headquarters of the European Commission (24,000 civil servants) also use these products for its 52 buildings. In France, many Regional Councils and Town Halls are taking the plunge.
Opinion of the French on the Ecolabel
The opinion of the French on ecological issues shows in 2012 an increasingly important consideration.
92% of respondents believe that the planet is in danger
36% of respondents changed their habits
26% of respondents say they are influenced when they buy
61% of those surveyed favor merchants and stores that mainly offer products and goods that take into account sustainable development.
Ecolabel cleaning product, which label?
Concerning the products of maintenance, there exists today two recognized official labels.
Ecolabel product with European Ecolabel
This label is a unique European label managed by the 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 harm the environment during their life cycle, from raw material to waste disposal.
The ecolabel imposes:
No unwanted material (musks, formaldehyde, alkyl phenol, quaternary ammoniums, toxic for the environment, reduced allergens). No biocides. Possibility of incorporating dyes: food and unclassified for the environment; Active ingredients of natural origin.
Criteria of the Ecolabel
Performance tests must be performed to prove the effectiveness of the product. Window cleaners must have a water content of less than 95%. Other cleaners must have a water content of less than 90%.
To be Ecolabeled to the extent that the criteria exist (impossible for insecticides, bactericides, stain removers before washing); Choose non-hazardous materials of plant and / or natural origin; Choose perfumes that are part of the Ecolabel and reduced to an allergen; Ensure final biodegradability on the product (OECD 301 and 302) Ensure that there is no hazard symbol on the label.
Nordic Swan label.
This label dates from 1989 and is native to the Scandinavian countries.
The objective of this Ecolabel Nordic label is a reduced list of raw materials, biodegradable surfactants and limitation in the use of non-biodegradable materials. It also imposes a ban on hazardous materials (CMR, EDTA, NTA ...).
The performance objective of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel is an assessment of the performance of the products in the field. A test report validated by the certifying body.
Regarding packaging, it is about limiting the amount of packaging and promoting concentrated products.
An annual control audit is scheduled as part of this Ecolabel
Indications on labeling
To be Ecolabeled to the extent that the criteria exist (impossible for insecticides, bactericides, stain removers before washing);
Choose non-hazardous materials of plant and / or natural origin;
Choose perfumes that are part of the Ecolabel and reduced to an allergen;
Ensure final biodegradability on the product (OECD 301 and 302)
Ensure that there is no danger symbol on the label.