Certified quality

by

EcoControl

PreCert Consulting & Audits

Dr. Joachim Banzhaf

www.eco-control.com

Criteria for Ecological Detergents and Cleansing Agents

11-2004

1. Selecting the ingredients

1.1  The ingredients used must only be plant-based and mineral-based raw materials or derived from living animals.

No raw materials may come from GMOs.

Raw materials must come as far as possible from controlled organic cultivation and fair trade projects.

1.2  The use of petrochemical or partially petrochemical raw materials requires an approval which must be justified on a case-by-case basis.

For example, if there are no acceptable alternatives, or renewable raw materials are not available in the marketplace in sufficient quantities.

1.3 The use of ingredients derived from dead animals requires an approval which must be justified on a case-by-case basis.

For example, bovine gall in gall soap.

1.4 The following ingredients should be avoided in all cases:

Boron and boron compounds, mineral acids phosphates, halogenated organic compounds, ethoxylated raw materials, optical brighteners, EDTA, NTA, polycarboxylate, sodium sulfate > 5%

1.5 Total biodegradability of all the organic ingredients used in the aerobic range into CO2, H2O, minerals and biomass.

This means:
Breakdown of the dissolved carbon according to OECD 301 > 70%, or CO2 formation >60%, after 28 days. (certificate from the raw material supplier)

1.5 Total biodegradability of all the organic ingredients used in the anaerobic range.
(certificate from the raw material supplier)

1.6  No formation of poorly degradable intermediate products.
(certificate from the raw material supplier)

1.7 Low toxicity for aquatic organisms
Substances classified in clauses R50-R58 of the safety data sheet must not be used.

1.8  Low toxicity for humans

1.81 For products which come into direct contact with human skin, the pH value of the finished product must be between 2.5 and 10.5.

1.8.2 The ingredients used must pose no risk to humans, as noted in clauses R45-R49 and R60-R64 in the safety data sheet.

1.9 Modular construction system for washing powders
Appropriate use results in the lowest environmental impact and resource consumption.

1.9 Individual ingredients with specific relevance:

1.9.1 Fragrances:

Pure essential oils according to ISO 9235.
No synthetic fragrances or so-called nature-conformant fragrances may be used.

1.9.2 Enzymes:

Due to the allergenicity of enzymes, which are highly active proteins, no enzymes are used, since it is impossible to guarantee their deactivation by the washing procedure.

1.93 Preservatives:

Natural preservatives include fermentation alcohol and variousessential oils.
Additional preservatives could be oriented towards the BDIH Cosmetics Guidelines.

2. Manufacturing of washing powders and detergents

2.1 The power required for manufacturing, packaging and shipping comes from renewable energy sources or block-type thermal power stations, insofar as this is a matter of free choice and economically viable.

3. Packaging materials

All packaging must be recyclable. 

3.1 The packaging weight per dosage quantity must be < 8g.

3.2 Refill systems must be available for all products.

3.3 Packaging material with the lowest possible environmental impact in manufacturing, use and recycling:
paper, cardboard with a min. of75% post-consumer content; bioplastic; PE and PP;
PET must only be used where PE and PP cannot be used.

4. Declaration of ingredients

Declaration of all ingredients based on the INCI Declaration.

5. Inspection of compliance with these criteria

The following information must be available at the inspection location:

5.1 Exact composition of the products according to the individual ingredients with precise chemical identification in %.

5.2 Current safety data sheets for all ingredients used.

5.3 Annual updating of all data by the manufacturer.

6. Scope of validity of the certification

Individual products of individual brands can be certified.