Ecodesign of Cleaning Agents: Efficiency Meets

Photo: PuroClean of Fort Worth / Unsplash

Industrial cleaning agents often need to balance conflicting requirements: high efficiency in removing dirt, compatibility with sensitive materials, and minimizing environmental impact. Ecodesign of these products is not limited to simply replacing one raw material with another—it requires a comprehensive approach. From selecting biodegradable surfactants to optimizing pH, reducing water and energy consumption, what specific steps can manufacturers and buyers take to make their cleaning processes more sustainable without compromising quality or economics?

Ecodesign in industrial cleaning: Why is it essential?

Industrial cleaning agents play a key role in many manufacturing processes, from food production to the automotive industry. However, their ecological footprint is often overlooked. Ecodesign, meaning the design of products with a focus on minimizing environmental impacts throughout their entire life cycle, is becoming not only an ethical obligation but also a competitive advantage. Under the REACH and CLP regulations, manufacturers must already demonstrate the safety of their chemicals, but ecodesign goes further—it focuses on reducing toxicity, water and energy consumption, or increasing biodegradability.

In practice, this means replacing problematic substances such as phosphates, chlorinated compounds, or non-ionic surfactants with high ethoxylate content with more sustainable alternatives. For example, enzymes or biosurfactants can effectively break down organic dirt at lower temperatures, thereby saving energy. It is also important to optimize the concentrations of active substances—excessive dosing not only burdens the environment but also increases costs for customers.

Biodegradability and toxicity: How to choose more sustainable raw materials?

Biodegradability is a fundamental criterion when selecting raw materials for ecological cleaning agents. Substances that quickly and completely decompose through the action of microorganisms reduce the risk of contaminating watercourses and soil. According to standard test methods, biodegradability is measured as the percentage of decomposed substance over a certain period—ideally, it should reach at least 60% within 28 days. Sustainable alternatives include, for example, short-chain alcohols, sugar-based surfactants (e.g., alkyl polyglucosides), or vegetable oils.

Toxicity to aquatic organisms is another key parameter. Substances with low acute and chronic toxicity, such as certain sulfate-based anionic surfactants, are preferred over persistent compounds. It is also important to avoid substances that accumulate in the food chain (bioaccumulation). Certifications like EU Ecolabel or Nordic Swan provide guidance on which products meet strict ecological requirements without compromising efficacy.

Photo: JESHOOTS.COM / Unsplash

Formulation optimization: Efficacy without unnecessary burden

Ecodesign does not mean sacrificing performance for ecology – it is about finding a balance. Modern cleaning product formulations often combine multiple types of active substances that synergistically complement each other. For example, the combination of anionic and nonionic surfactants allows for reducing the total amount of required substances while maintaining cleaning performance. Similarly, enzymes such as proteases or lipases can break down specific dirt (proteins, fats) at temperatures around 30–40 °C, saving energy.

The pH of the environment also plays an important role. Neutral or mildly acidic cleaning products are gentler on surfaces and the environment than strongly alkaline or acidic products. For example, acidic formulations with a pH of 2–4 are often used for cleaning metals, but a more ecological alternative may be weakly acidic systems with a pH of 4–6, which achieve comparable effectiveness at a lower concentration of active substances. Optimising dosing with automatic dispensers also minimises waste.

Practical steps for manufacturers: How to implement ecodesign?

Implementing ecodesign begins with analysing existing products and their life cycle. Manufacturers should identify critical points, such as raw materials with high toxicity, energy-intensive processes, or excessive packaging. Subsequently, it is possible to gradually replace problematic components with more sustainable alternatives – for example, by switching from petrochemical surfactants to biosurfactants or from phosphates to citrates. It is important to test new formulations using standard methods to verify their effectiveness and stability.

Collaboration with raw material suppliers is key – many chemical manufacturers now offer environmentally optimized versions of their products that meet REACH and CLP requirements. The next step is educating customers to use and dose cleaning products correctly, thereby reducing their consumption. Finally, it is advisable to consider certifications such as the EU Ecolabel, which can enhance product credibility in the market and open doors to new business opportunities.

Photo: Toon Lambrechts / Unsplash

Water footprint and recycling: How to minimize impact on water resources

Industrial cleaning agents are among the largest consumers of water in production facilities. Their ecodesign must therefore include not only the choice of raw materials but also strategies to reduce the water footprint. A key step is optimizing the concentration of active substances – overly diluted products require larger volumes of water during application, while overly concentrated mixtures may increase the risk of wastewater pollution. The ideal ratio ranges between 5–15 % of active ingredients, with exact values depending on the specific application and type of contamination.

Another effective measure is the implementation of process water recycling systems. Modern technologies, such as membrane filtration or reverse osmosis, enable the repeated use of water in closed loops, reducing overall consumption by up to 70 %. It is also important to monitor the pH and hardness of the water – excessively hard water requires higher doses of surfactants, which increases the environmental burden. Using water softeners or treating the water before applying the cleaning agent can significantly reduce the consumption of raw materials and water.

Packaging Materials and Logistics: Hidden Opportunities for Sustainability

The ecodesign of industrial cleaning agents often focuses on the formulation itself, but the selection of packaging materials and logistics processes is equally important. Traditional plastic drums and canisters represent a significant environmental burden, especially if they are not recycled. Alternatives include returnable packaging made from recycled materials or biodegradable plastics that meet requirements for durability and chemical compatibility. For bulk buyers, systems with exchangeable containers, which minimize waste, have proven effective.

Logistics plays a key role in the overall carbon footprint of a product. Optimising transport routes, using consolidated shipments, and preferring local suppliers can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 30%. It is also important to consider product density – concentrated formulations reduce the volume of goods transported, thereby saving fuel and costs. Manufacturers should also consider offering products in powder or tablet form, which have significantly lower weight and volume than liquid alternatives.

Certifications and Transparency: How to Communicate Environmental Benefits to Customers

Manufacturers of industrial cleaning products who invest in ecodesign should transparently communicate their efforts to customers. Certifications such as EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan, or Cradle to Cradle provide independent verification of a product’s environmental properties and facilitate decision-making for buyers. These certifications assess not only the biodegradability and toxicity of raw materials but also the energy intensity of production, packaging materials, and recyclability. Obtaining certification can be costly, but in the long term, it enhances brand credibility and opens doors to public tenders with environmental requirements.

Transparency is also key in terms of product composition. Customers, especially in the food or pharmaceutical industries, often require detailed information about the content of substances, including those not mandatory in safety data sheets. Issuing voluntary environmental product declarations (EPDs) or publishing data on a product’s carbon footprint can provide a competitive advantage. It is also important to train sales representatives to explain the environmental benefits of the product and help customers choose the most suitable option for their specific needs.

Need help selecting environmentally friendly raw materials?

Every application requires an individual solution. GCG Group provides detailed technical and safety data sheets for each raw material and will help you choose the option that meets your requirements for efficiency and sustainability – whether it's surfactants, corrosion inhibitors, or chelating agents. Contact us – or browse our catalog of over 1,300 products.