Eco-friendly cleaning products: A guide to sustainable choices in cleaning
More and more people are asking for ecolabelled alternatives. Cleaning products with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Bra Miljöval or the EU Ecolabel clean effectively while meeting independent environmental and health requirements.
Why you should choose eco-friendly cleaning products
When you choose cleaning products with an official ecolabel such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Bra Miljöval or the EU Ecolabel, you make a choice that has been checked against independent environmental requirements – one your customers can trust. Ecolabelled cleaning products meet independent requirements on content and environmental impact – and are often just as effective as traditional alternatives. The labels restrict, among other things, substances that are harmful to aquatic organisms.
What makes a cleaning product eco-friendly?
What exactly defines an eco-friendly cleaning product? By ecolabelled cleaning products, we mean products that meet the criteria of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Bra Miljöval or the EU Ecolabel – criteria that, among other things, restrict harmful substances and set requirements for biodegradability. They should also carry the relevant environmental certifications.
Biodegradable ingredient choices
Biodegradable ingredients are broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide and biomass, among other things. How quickly and completely this happens is measured with standardised tests, for example OECD 301 – and ecolabels such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel set requirements for biodegradability.
Some examples of biodegradable ingredients include:
- Plant-based surfactants
- Natural oils and enzymes
- Acetic acid
- Citric acid
- Baking soda
Free from harmful chemicals
Many conventional cleaning products contain substances that can cause irritation, allergies or environmental impact, such as phosphates, chlorine bleach, phthalates, parabens, PFAS, and synthetic fragrances and colourants. Ecolabels such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel restrict or ban several of them.
Labels to look for
Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Good Environmental Choice and EU Ecolabel are independent environmental certifications that impose strict requirements on a product’s entire lifecycle, from raw material selection to waste management. When a product carries one of these labels, you can be confident that it meets stringent criteria regarding chemical content, energy use, and recyclability. Behind every label is an independent body that has checked the product against clear requirements for both performance and the environment.
Are eco-friendly cleaning products as effective as traditional ones?
Many people might assume that eco-friendly products are less effective than conventional ones, but this is not always the case. Thanks to advances in chemistry, there are now ecolabelled cleaning products that meet the same performance requirements as traditional alternatives – the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, for example, requires that the product actually works. With natural ingredients and innovative formulations, these products can handle even the toughest environments – though there are some limitations.
What limitations do eco-friendly cleaning products have?
Despite the many advantages of eco-friendly cleaning products, there are, as mentioned, certain cleaning tasks where these products may not be as effective. Some examples of such tasks include:
- Specialised cleaning: Some industrial and professional environments require stronger chemicals to tackle specific types of dirt or contamination, where eco-friendly products may not always suffice.
- Deep cleaning of extremely dirty surfaces: When cleaning heavily soiled surfaces or handling hazardous substances, traditional products can be more effective. It is important here to follow safety regulations and use the appropriate protective equipment.
In some areas, eco-friendly alternatives may also be harder to obtain or more expensive, which can affect their convenience of use.
Create a sustainable brand with us
The environment is at the centre of everything we do at Cleano Production. As a customer, you become part of our commitment to sustainability – a focus that runs through every step, from product development and manufacturing to transport across the Nordic countries and northern Europe. We work actively for high quality at every stage of production, with quality and environmental management systems certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 – and we have long experience of developing cleaning products that meet the requirements of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Bra Miljöval and the EU Ecolabel.
For many years, corporate customers in a variety of industries Entrusted us with manufacturing their cleaning products – and helping them achieve a recognized environmental certification. We do this either by manufacturing customized EMV products together with you, or by allowing you to label our existing products. Contact us today, and we will develop a solution that suits your needs.
Have questions about eco-friendly cleaning products?
We are always here to answer any questions you may have about eco-friendly cleaning products and how they can help you create a more sustainable brand. Whether you are interested in producing your own product line or putting your label on our existing products, we can provide expertise and guidance throughout the entire process.