Ecolabel Detergents: what does the label mean and what are their key features?

 In the professional cleaning sector, choosing the right product means finding the right balance between effectiveness, ease of use and attention to the product’s characteristics. Today, alongside the operational needs of every business, there is growing interest in solutions that meet clearly defined and verifiable environmental criteria.

This is where Ecolabel detergents come in: products that have been awarded the European Ecolabel after demonstrating compliance with specific requirements established for their product category.

But what does choosing an Ecolabel product really mean? Which characteristics are assessed, and how does this certification apply to professional hand-cleaning products?

Let’s take a closer look.

What is the EU Ecolabel?

The EU Ecolabel is the official environmental label of the European Union. It identifies products and services with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle, based on criteria established at European level.

It is not simply a claim made by the manufacturer: to be awarded the label, a product must meet specific requirements and demonstrate compliance through an assessment and verification procedure.

One important point to remember is that Ecolabel criteria vary depending on the type of product. There is no single set of requirements that applies to every product. Laundry detergents, surface cleaners and cosmetics intended for hand cleansing, for example, belong to different categories and are assessed according to specific criteria.

That is why, when discussing Ecolabel products, it is important to understand which category they belong to and which requirements they must meet.

To find out more about the certifications obtained by Nettuno, including the EU Ecolabel, visit our page dedicated to company certifications.

What are the objectives of the Ecolabel Certification?

The aim of the EU Ecolabel is to promote products and services with high environmental performance, identified through scientific and verifiable criteria that take into account the most significant impacts throughout their life cycle.

The certification aims to:

• Encourage more environmentally responsible production through criteria that consider environmental impacts throughout a product’s life cycle.
• Guide purchasing decisions by providing consumers and professionals with a recognised way to identify products that meet defined environmental requirements.
• Promote improvements in environmental performance by encouraging companies to develop products that meet specific criteria for their respective categories.

 The EU Ecolabel does not mean zero environmental impact. Rather, it is a practical way to identify products that meet environmental requirements defined and verified at European level.

What are the key characteristics of Ecolabel detergents?

What exactly is assessed when a product applies for the label? The answer depends on its category, but the criteria may cover various aspects of the product and its life cycle.

The elements that may be taken into consideration include:

• Ingredient selection: limits or restrictions may apply to certain substances, depending on their characteristics and potential environmental impact.
• Biodegradability and impact on the aquatic environment: for the relevant product categories, factors such as ingredient biodegradability and potential effects on aquatic organisms are assessed.
• Packaging: criteria may include requirements relating to the amount of material used, recyclability and, where applicable, recycled content or refill options.
• Effectiveness and fitness for purpose: the certification also takes performance requirements into account, ensuring that the product is suitable for its intended use.
• Information for users: specific instructions may be required to communicate the product’s characteristics correctly and encourage responsible use.

It is important not to assume that every certified product automatically has all these characteristics: the applicable requirements always depend on the specific product category.

Likewise, the label does not mean that a product has no environmental impact or is automatically safer for human health. Rather, it indicates that the product has undergone an assessment based on environmental and performance criteria defined for its category.

Ecolabel Detergents and hand-cleaning products: which certification criteria apply?

When discussing Ecolabel detergents, it is important to distinguish between the different product categories. Surface cleaners, for example, are subject to different criteria from cosmetic products intended for cleansing the skin.

For the latter, the relevant criteria are established by Commission Decision (EU) 2021/1870, which covers cosmetic products intended for both private and professional use. Macrocream Ecolabel and Puliman Ecolabel belong to this category: they are cosmetic products for hand cleansing, certified according to the Ecolabel criteria applicable to this product type.

Nettuno’s Ecolabel products for professional hand cleaning

In professional settings, hand hygiene is an important part of everyday working life. Whether in manufacturing facilities, craft businesses or other professional environments, having products suited to specific needs is essential.

Nettuno has long been committed to developing hand-cleansing solutions that take different usage requirements into account. This range also includes Macrocream Ecolabel and Puliman Ecolabel, two Nettuno cosmetic products certified with the European Ecolabel.

Both belong to the cosmetic products category and are intended for professional hand cleansing and hygiene. EU Ecolabel licence IT/030/008, held by Nettuno S.r.l., covers the registered product references and formats.

The certification confirms compliance with the criteria applicable to this category. It provides a concrete reference for businesses wishing to consider the environmental aspects of the products they use in their daily operations. To find out more about the other certifications obtained by Nettuno, visit our page dedicated to company certifications.

Why choose Ecolabel detergents?

 When choosing professional cleaning products, effectiveness and suitability for the intended use remain essential considerations. Today, however, other factors may also come into play: the product’s environmental characteristics, the requirements it must meet and the possibility of verifying its compliance.

In this respect, the EU Ecolabel provides a recognised and verifiable point of reference. It is not a generic promise of sustainability, but a certification based on criteria established at European level and tailored to each product category.

For businesses, professionals and purchasing managers, understanding these requirements can help inform purchasing decisions and assess the characteristics of the different solutions available.

Of course, certification does not replace the need to assess operational requirements. It is always important to choose products that are appropriate for the intended use, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and check that the stated characteristics meet the needs of the specific working environment.

Ecolabel Detergents: a choice based on verifiable criteria

Talking about Ecolabel products means talking about specific requirements, clearly defined categories and verifiable characteristics.

In a sector such as professional cleaning, where usage requirements can vary considerably, understanding what the certification means helps businesses interpret product information more knowledgeably.

With Macrocream Ecolabel and Puliman Ecolabel, Nettuno offers two certified solutions for professional hand cleansing, belonging to the Ecolabel cosmetic products category.

Because making an informed choice starts with knowing exactly what you are choosing.

Contact us to find out more or receive personalised advice tailored to your needs!