Sustainability - Chemicals (Part 1)
"Sustainable" is a term with a vast meaning, explained in many ways.
Many solutions on the market claim to be sustainable, yet they don't always justify their claims.
To clarify the most common ambiguities, we have compiled a series of facts and myths about sustainability related to professional cleaning.
"OUR PRODUCTS ARE BIODEGRADABLE"
You've probably seen this issue raised or promoted several times.Generally, ALL products are degradable, and organic components are biodegradable.
The biodegradability of surfactants in cleaning agents is regulated in Europe by a Detergent Regulation. This European legislation requires the biodegradability of ALL surfactants that make up detergents and other cleaning agents.
This Regulation also establishes the tests that must be used to prove degradability.
Complete biodegradation means that the substance is completely broken down by microorganisms (bacteria) into carbonic acid, water, and eventually mineral salts.
In conclusion, the commercial argument about the biodegradable capacity of a detergent is very subjective and does not, in itself, mean that it is something differentiating from more common solutions currently available on the market.
"ECO-FRIENDLY DETERGENTS PERFORM POORLY"
Several studies and field experience have shown that the performance of sustainable products can be as good as that of a conventional product.
However, the most relevant factor will be the choice we make, considering the quality of the brand/manufacturer in question.
A private label product will never have the quality and effectiveness of a high-quality professional product. This premise should also apply when we are talking about products with ECOLABEL eco-certification.
Therefore, just because we had a bad experience with a specific product/brand does not mean this will always be the rule.