What is an Ecolabel certified cleaning product?
Ecolabel certified products are designed taking into account their life cycle: from the extraction of materials
raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, and use until recycling or disposal of the product after use.
All products are formulated to ensure effectiveness and reduced impacts on humans and the environment.
Raw materials are selected based on their toxicity and degradability factors, and each product is subjected to performance tests guaranteeing optimal efficiency compared to traditional products.
The criteria for Ecolabel cleaning products
• Toxicity limit
• No or little phosphates
• Biodegradability of surfactants
• Classification of product and raw materials: no CMR, no sensitizer, no environmental hazard
• Low VOCs
• List of prohibited raw materials: EDTA, NTA, polycyclic musk, quaternary ammonium
• Food safety of dyes
• IFRA compliance of perfumes (according to the manufacturing and formulation requirement defined in a code of conduct for perfumers)
• Limited concentration of preservatives (cosmetic directive)
• No antimicrobial claim
• Products must be concentrated
• Recyclable packaging
• Effectiveness criteria
• Instructions for the user to be mentioned 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 materials to waste disposal.
In Belgium, 25% of local authorities use ecolabel ecological detergents.
The headquarters of the European Commission (24,000 civil servants) also uses these products for its 52 buildings. In France, many Regional Councils and Town Halls are taking the plunge.
French opinion on Ecolabel products
In 2012, the opinion of the French on ecological issues demonstrated an increasingly important consideration.
92% of respondents believe the planet is in danger
36% of respondents have changed their habits
26% of respondents say they are influenced when making their purchase
61% of respondents favor merchants and stores that mainly offer products and goods that take sustainable development into account.
Ecolabel cleaning product, which label?
Regarding cleaning products, there are currently two officially recognized labels.
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 materials (musks, formaldehyde, alkyl phenol, quaternary ammoniums, toxic for the environment, reduced allergens). No biocides. Possibility of incorporating colorants: food and not classified for the environment; Active materials of natural origin.
Ecolabel criteria
Performance tests must be conducted to prove the effectiveness of the product. 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, stain removers before washing); Choose non-hazardous materials of plant and/or natural origin; Choose fragrances that are included in 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.
Nordic Swan label.
This label dates back to 1989 and originates from the Scandinavian countries.
The objective of this Nordic Ecolabel is a reduced list of raw materials, biodegradable surfactants and the limitation in the use of non-biodegradable materials. It also imposes a ban on hazardous materials (CMR, EDTA, NTA...).
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 this Ecolabel
Labelling instructions
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 fragrances that are Ecolabel and reduced in allergens;
Ensure final biodegradability on the product (OECD 301 and 302)
Ensure that there is no hazard symbol on the label.