What is Ecolabel certified maintenance product?
Ecolabel certified products are designed taking into account their life cycle: from the extraction of materials
raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, and use up to recycling or disposal of the product after use.
All products are formulated to guarantee effectiveness and reduction of 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 effectiveness 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 dangerous for the environment
• Low VOCs
• List of prohibited raw materials: EDTA, NTA, polycyclic musk, quaternary ammonium
• Food quality of dyes
• Compliance of perfumes with IFRA (according to the manufacturing and formulation requirement defined in a code of conduct intended 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 damage 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.
Opinion of the French on Ecolabel products
The opinion of the French on ecological issues demonstrated in 2012 an increasingly important consideration.
92% of respondents believe that the planet is in danger
36% of respondents have changed their habits
26% of respondents say they are influenced during their purchase
61% of respondents favor merchants and stores mainly offering products and goods that take sustainable development into account.
Ecolabel maintenance product, which label?
Regarding cleaning products, there are currently two recognized official labels.
Ecolabel product with European Ecolabel
This label is a unique European label managed by AFNOR (French standardization association).
The ecolabel makes it possible to distinguish 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, formalin, alkyl phenol, quaternary ammoniums, toxic to the environment, reduced allergens). No biocides. Possibility of incorporating colorings: food and not classified for the environment; Active ingredients of natural origin.
Ecolabel criteria
Performance tests must be carried out to prove the effectiveness of the product. Window cleaners should have a water content of less than 95%. Other cleaners should 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 perfumes that are part of the Ecolabel and reduced in allergens; Ensure final biodegradability of the product (OECD 301 and 302) Ensure there is no danger symbol on the label.
Nordic Swan label.
This label dates from 1989 and originates from 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 dangerous materials (CMR, EDTA, NTA, etc.).
The Nordic Swan Ecolabel performance objective is an assessment of product performance in the field. A test report validated by the certifying body.
Concerning packaging, it is of course limiting the quantity of packaging and favoring concentrated products.
An annual control audit is scheduled as part of this Ecolabel
Indications on the label
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 perfumes that are part of the Ecolabel and reduced in allergens;
Ensure final biodegradability of the product (OECD 301 and 302)
Ensure there is no danger symbol on the label.