CCD-105: Laundry Detergents and Fabric Softeners

*Please note: there is an interpretation associated with this standard. It is available for viewing at the end of the PDF document

Laundry detergents are used to remove both organic and inorganic soils, dirt and stains from clothing, linen, and other fabrics. Fabric softeners (also called fabric conditioners) are used to prevent static cling and soften fabrics by coating them with a lubricating layer and reducing electrostatic charges. Because the composition of these products can be very complex, they may have numerous impacts on human health and the environment. Examples of these effects include releasing water and air pollutants, contributing to toxic effects on aquatic ecosystems, depleting material resources and generating waste.

The EcoLogo^TM Program addresses these challenges by establishing strict requirements for toxicity, biodegradability and bioaccumulation, prohibited and restricted compounds, physical properties and packaging. The net environmental benefit will be diminished human health impacts, less eutrophication and toxicity in aquatic media, and decreased generation of wastes sent for landfilling.

To be authorized to carry the EcoLogo^TM, laundry detergents and fabric softeners must:

• Be effective;
• Not be formulated with:
  • halogenated organic solvents,
  • butoxy-ethanol,
  • alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants (APEOs),
  • builders that use phosphates, ethylene diaminetetracetic acid, ethylene dinitrilotetracetic acid or the salts of these compounds,
  • more than 13.5 g per dose of nitriloacetic acid (NTA),
  • chemicals classified as carcinogenic (IARC Groups 1 and 2A), and
  • optical brighteners or dyes;
• Not contain more than 10% by weight of volatile organic compounds as used (e.g., after dilution if applicable);
• Have low aquatic toxicity [exhibit a "no observable effects concentration" (NOEC) at the expected release concentration for fish and micro-organisms];
• Be readily biodegradable by whole formulation testing; and

• Be accompanied by instruction for proper use to maximize product performance and minimize waste.