PRESS STATEMENT - 12.07.2017

The EU is banning problem chemicals and microplastics from all Ecolabel washing up liquids, dishwasher and general purpose detergents.

Detergents that bear the EU Ecolabel will no longer be able to use chemicals such as triclosan, linked to antimicrobial resistance; boric acid, harmful to sexual reproduction; nanosilver, linked to neurological disorders; and phosphates that cause algae growth that kill aquatic life. All harmful fragrances are out too, and plastic packaging is being made recyclable.

The European Commission will write the changes into the Official Journal of the European Union today. Makers of the 4,500 domestic detergents and 300 commercial detergents with the Ecolabel will have 12-18 months to adjust their products or lose the label, while new applicants will have to comply immediately. The label already clears from detergents ingredients that cause cancer, modify genes and interfere with reproduction.

Director General of The European Consumer Organisation BEUC, Monique Goyens, said:

“A large number of harmful chemicals are coming out of ecolabel detergents as the rules get stricter and better. We know this will be popular, because official polls say that nearly half of the population is worried about chemicals in products.

“We’re really happy also to see microplastics being kicked out of these ecolabel products. Products will work just as well and won’t create a toxic legacy for future generations to clean up.”

The Ecolabel is voluntary. Rules are regulated by the European institutions to encourage longer-lasting, cleaner and safer products. 38,760 European products and services have the Ecolabel, from baby clothes to note paper. It celebrates its 25^th year this year.

Note to editors:

• European Commission’s official EU Ecolabel web page
• BEUC and EEB factsheet