Laundry detergents without plastic: How retailers are combating microplastics

Laundry detergents without plastic: How retailers are combating microplastics

 

We are only slowly beginning to understand the true extent of the microplastics problem. Detergents are definitely part of this problem – and therefore also at the center of attention for retailers. EccoClean offers an alternative that is completely free of synthetic polymers.

 

Between 1.8 and 5 million tons of microplastics end up in the environment worldwide every year, depending on the estimate. Around half of this ends up in the oceans. In Germany alone, up to 300,000 tons are released annually.

Microplastics have long been detectable in the food chain. Every person likely ingests several grams of them per week. While specific toxic effects have not yet been proven, several studies suggest that microplastics in the body lead to damage to cell membranes or inflammatory reactions. Long-term consequences fear an increased risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer.

 

And to what extent is microplastic in detergents a problem?

Many detergents contain or produce microplastics

 Detergents are a source of microplastics in two ways.

·      Many detergents (liquid or powder) contain microplastics in the form of solid particles or dissolved polymers. These serve as fillers and binders or are added to improve certain product properties. A study by Ökotest found microplastics in approximately 40 percent of the detergents tested (300 detergents were examined). Liquid detergents and fabric softeners are particularly likely to contain microplastics. The particles are usually so small that they cannot be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants and thus enter the environment via wastewater. In autumn 2023, an EU-wide ban was introduced on so-called microbeads – solid polymer microparticles – but this does not change the problem of water-soluble polymers.

 ·      The second source is plastic detergent packaging. When this packaging breaks down in nature due to the effects of UV radiation, abrasion, and weathering, it creates so-called secondary microplastics. While detergent packaging makes up only a relatively small percentage of the total amount of packaging, packaging accounts for roughly one-third of all plastics produced worldwide, making the quantity quite significant.

 

EccoClean: A new product completely eliminates plastic

Given the significantly increased consumer awareness, microplastics have long been a topic for retailers as well. Retailers who can offer their customers microplastic-free detergents and cleaning products have a steadily growing advantage.

 EccoClean is therefore an offering for both consumers and retailers. The powdered detergent, produced in Switzerland, is an environmentally friendly product in many respects – including this one.

 ·      EccoClean washing sticks each contain seven grams of washing powder. And only pure washing powder: the manufacturers completely refrain from using fillers, dyes, anti-caking agents, enzymes, preservatives, and other potentially harmful ingredients in the product.

·      A special feature of EccoClean is its paper sticks, which dissolve completely in water within seconds, leaving no residue on fabrics. Brands and manufacturers of conventional detergents repeatedly rely on water-soluble plastic coatings; however, it has not yet been proven that these do not leave behind microplastics. Depending on water hardness and the degree of soiling, one stick is easily sufficient for a full load of laundry.

 ·      Microplastics are also not an issue in the detergent's outer packaging: 24 of the small washing sticks are contained in a compact paper box that can be recycled with waste paper. Therefore, even the packaging of this innovative detergent contains no plastic compounds.

 

Laundry detergent without plastic: Better for the environment, better for your product range

With EccoClean, you offer your customers a laundry detergent that is ecologically outstanding in every respect. It stands for sustainable raw materials, short supply chains, and excellent suitability for people with allergies or sensitive skin. At the same time, EccoClean offers perfect cleaning performance, a price in the lower mid-range, and high ease of use, for example, because it is particularly easy to dose. EccoClean is certified by Ecocert and Dermatest.

Is a plastic-free laundry detergent like EccoClean also of interest to your product range? Then let's discuss potential collaborations – we look forward to hearing from you!