MEPs today adopted by a large majority proposed amendments to the legislative reform of detergents and cleaning products. This gives the European Parliament a strong mandate for the upcoming negotiations with member states and the EU Commission.

The report by chief negotiator Manuela Ripa (ÖDP - The Nature Conservation Party) was able to significantly improve the Commission proposal and extend the scope of the reform. In this respect, Manuela Ripa is very satisfied with the result:

"Today's vote is an important milestone on the road to sustainable detergents and cleaning products!

With this report, we are protecting the health of our citizens and making their purchases easier by providing readable and understandable information on products. We are also protecting our ecosystems and the aquatic environment, thereby improving the quality of our waters. In the future detergents should be more biodegradable, i.e. they should no longer contain substances that are difficult to break down and remain in the environment, where they can contaminate drinking water resources, among other things. There are also plans to reduce the phosphate and total phosphorus content of detergents, including for the first time in industrial products.

The report also moves with the times by banning animal testing in connection with detergents. Alternative test methods are to be used instead. 

The result of the vote is therefore good news for consumers, but also for our environment and for animal welfare. There will be a level playing field for manufacturers and thus incentives to produce sustainable detergents and cleaning products."

In order to produce detergents in a more sustainable and consumer-friendly way, the EU Parliament's report focuses on the following aspects in addition to improved biodegradability:

Water and water protection

Phosphates are a major contributor to the widespread problem of nutrient enrichment in water bodies and the associated harmful growth of algae (eutrophication) throughout Europe. There are already examples of manufacturers who phased out phosphates in consumer and industrial products a long time ago. To further encourage innovation in the industry, lowered thresholds for total phosphorus content in detergents and cleaning products should apply.

Avoidance of overdosing

To avoid overdosing, which in turn can lead to higher environmental pollution and allergies, there should be more visible measuring scales and minimum dosage information on the caps and measuring cups of the products. An important step towards more consumer information.

Consumer protection

Important information about the product should be available to consumers not only digitally but also directly on the packaging. The report stipulates that detergents and cleaning products must have clear and easy-to-understand labels. The same applies to refill products. The proposal ensures that consumers are informed about all ingredients, especially allergenic substances, directly on the product. If necessary, digital labels will provide additional information.

Animal welfare

The report prohibits animal testing in connection with the testing of detergents and cleaning agents or certain ingredients. Instead, alternative test methods that already exist and are better suited to rule out safety concerns should be used.

For the first time, clear rules for vegan labeling in the EU are also proposed for detergents and cleaning products.

Manuela Ripa would only have liked more on the subject of hazardous substances. However, Christian Democrats, right-wing populists and parts of the Liberals had prevented this. Although the current regulation provides for a review clause, "this is a delay on the way to a toxic-free environment," comments Ripa.

The revision lays the foundation for ensuring that detergents are no longer based on chemicals produced from fossil fuels in the future.

The member states want to determine their position on the detergents reform in June. The so-called trilogue negotiations could then begin at the start of the next legislative period. According to Manuela Ripa, it is important to defend the reform proposals now adopted by Parliament for the benefit of consumers, the environment, our waters and animals.