AND scheme:
Several applicable points can be selected at the same time.
OR scheme:
One applicable point is selected.
Introduction to the sustainability scale for cleaning products
Sustainable cleaning agents are playing an increasingly important role in cleaning practice. To create more clarity in this area, we have simplified the complexity and developed an easy-to-understand rating system. This system takes various criteria
into account and thus brings transparency to an often confusing market. Each category is rated according to specific criteria.
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The criteria are evaluated according to the AND or OR scheme:
Detailed overview of the evaluation criteria
up to 30 BiOHY points
Ingredients
Description: The choice of ingredients in cleaning products plays a decisive role in environmental friendliness and consumer safety. Products that use natural and renewable resources, avoid harmful chemicals and minimize allergens and irritants are ideal. These criteria help consumers to choose safe and environmentally conscious cleaning products.
Valuation (AND scheme)
Sustainable cleaners should prioritize natural and renewable ingredients, such as plant extracts, essential oils and enzymes. Consumers should look for clear labels such as "100% natural" or specific certifications that confirm the naturalness of the ingredients. Common certificates are Blue Angel, EU Ecolabel or EcoCert. These provide reliable confirmation that the products use only natural and renewable sources. (10 points)
Cleaning products should avoid the use of harmful chemicals such as phosphates, chlorine,
ammonia, formaldehyde, parabens and synthetic fragrances. The
list of chemical substances to avoid can be found in the candidate list of
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) of the
European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). A comprehensive list
of SVHC substances is available directly on the ECHA website: ECHA SVHC list. (10 points)
It is often not possible to completely avoid allergens in cleaning products, but cleaning products should be free from the most common allergens and irritants that frequently trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations. These substances are listed in the Detergents Regulation. A list of ingredients that frequently trigger allergic reactions can be found, for example, on the website of the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), which also offers tips on how to avoid toxic substances in the household: BUND Chemie im Haushalt. (10 points)
Up to 20 BiOHY points
Health and safety
Description: For simplified presentation and evaluation purposes,
has divided cleaning products into three classes: label-free cleaners,
cleaners that require labeling and cleaners that are classified as hazardous
. This categorization helps consumers better understand the safety level of products
and decide which cleaners are best suited for specific
environments - such as households with children or pets
. It is important to note that this categorization is a simplified
version of the detailed and comprehensive classifications set out in the CLP regulation
(Classification, Labelling and Packaging).
Valuation (OR scheme)
These products do not contain ingredients in concentrations that are considered hazardous under the CLP Regulation and therefore do not require hazard labeling. This category is ideal for consumers looking for safe and mild products that do not require special warnings and are therefore less likely to cause health reactions or environmental damage. (20 points)
These products contain hazardous ingredients that do not meet the threshold for classification as dangerous goods, but still pose specific risks and therefore require clear safety instructions. Such products must be labeled with hazard statements that draw attention to moderate risks and provide instructions for safe handling. (10 points)
Products in this category contain highly hazardous ingredients that are subject to strict regulations. These products must be labeled with hazard symbols that indicate high risks. They require special handling and storage measures and are less suitable for environments with increased safety requirements. (0 points)
Up to 20 BiOHY points
Yield of the cleaners
High-yield or concentrated cleaners offer significant ecological and economic benefits. They minimize packaging waste and CO2 emissions through reduced transportation by using less water, energy and natural resourc
es. A higher concentration allows consumers to adjust the amount of detergent as needed, making use more efficient and less wasteful. Although highly concentrated cleaners are initially more expensive, they prove to be more cost-effective in the long term as they need to be repurchased less frequently due to their high yield.
mehr lesen...Valuation (OR scheme)
The score is based on the number of usage units that can be obtained from one liter of concentrate. One usage unit corresponds to the amount of product typically required to fulfill a standard cleaning task.
300 utilization units or more: 20 points
250 to 299 utilization units: 18 points
200 to 249 utilization units: 16 points
150 to 199 utilization units: 14 points
100 to 149 utilization units: 12 points
75 to 99 utilization units: 10 points
50 to 74 utilization units: 8 points
25 to 49 utilization units: 6 points
10 to 24 utilization units: 4 points
2 to 9 utilization units: 2 points
1:1 application (no dilution required): 0 points
Up to 15 BiOHY points
Packaging and shipping
Description: When selecting cleaners, particular attention should be paid to the type of packaging in order to minimize environmental impact. Preference should be given to recyclable materials such as cardboard and paper. Glass stands out due to its reusability and durability and makes a significant contribution to sustainable packaging solutions. It is equally important to reduce packaging waste by avoiding unnecessary outer packaging. Transport efficiency also plays a role; lighter packaging reduces energy consumption during transportation and reduces the carbon footprint. Promoting these practices supports sustainable development and reduces environmental impact.
Valuation AND scheme
Adequate packaging volume:
Products with packaging that adequately encloses the product and avoids unnecessary space help to reduce material consumption and reduce the environmental impact. Optimizing the volume of packaging also reduces CO2 emissions during transport and storage. (5 points)
Use of recyclable or recycled packaging materials:
Products whose packaging materials are recyclable or made from recycled materials support the circular economy and help to reduce waste. This not only helps to reduce the ecological footprint, but also reduces CO2 emissions through the use of sustainable materials. (5 points)
Containers made of glass or recycled materials:
Products with packaging made from glass or recycled materials promote the reuse and longevity of the packaging and help to minimize the environmental impact. Glass packaging helps to reduce CO2 emissions as it is durable and preserves the quality of the product, reducing the need for new production and CO2 emissions. (5 points)
Up to 15 BiOHY points
Certifications
Cleaning products can obtainvarious certifications that guarantee strict environmental standards,chemical restrictions, durability and fairness along the production chain. These certifications aim to identify environmentally friendly and ethica
lly produced cleaning products and help reduce environmental impact. The most important criteria checked include the use of natural and biodegradable ingredients, energy efficiency in production and use,environmentally friendly packaging, water conservation and safety in use.Aspects such as environmental protection, chemical restrictions, durability and fairness along the production chain are also taken into account. These criteriaensure that the cleaning products are not only manufactured in an environmentally friendly manner, but alsoin a socially responsible way.
mehr lesen...Rating:
Cleaners that have been awarded one of the following certifications meet strict environmental standards and are therefore awarded full points: EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel, EcoCert. (15 points)
General important information about cleaning products
Below you will find some important general information about cleaning agents and their use,
which you should take into account when purchasing:
Biodegradability:
Even though many manufacturers advertise that the surfactants in the detergent are biodegradable, this is already required by law: § 4 Degradability of surfactants (1) It shall be prohibited to place on the market detergents containing surfa
ctants within the meaning of § 2 (1) sentence 1 or surfactants intended for such detergents if the complete aerobic biodegradability of the surfactants in accordance with Annex III to Regulation (EC) No. 648/2004 does not correspond to a rate specified there in Section A or B, which is to be measured according to a corresponding test method specified there. The first sentence shall not apply in the cases referred to in the second sentence of Article 3(1) and Article 6(2) of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 or in the case of a derogation granted in accordance with Article 5(4) of Regulation (EC) No 648/2004. (2) It is prohibited to place on the market detergents and cleaning products within the meaning of the second sentence of § 2(1) if the primary biodegradability of the anionic and non-ionic surfactants they contain does not correspond to a rate of at least 80 percent as measured in accordance with the test method specified in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 under point 3. Further information on this can be found in the law on the environmental compatibility of detergents andcleaning agents
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Synthetic chemicals
These chemical compounds, which areproduced in the laboratory,
are not of natural origin and fulfill a variety of functions in cleaning products. They help to clean surfaces, remove stains and disinfect. It is important to understand that although some synthetic chemicals provide effective cleaning properties, they can also pose potential health and environmental risks.
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Biodegradability
The law stipulates that surfactants in cleaning products
must be biodegradable. Many cleaning products advertise the biodegradability of their surfactants, but this is a legal requirement and should therefore not be seen as an additional environmental benefit. A real environmental benefit would be labeling that the entire product, and not just the surfactants used, is biodegradable. This information is particularly valuable for consumers looking for products that are environmentally friendly beyond the minimum legal standards.
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Vegan / cruelty-free:
In the European Union, it is a legal
requirement that all cleaning products must be vegan and may not be tested on animals. Although these practices apply to all cleaning products in the EU, many manufacturers still explicitly label their products as vegan and cruelty-free. This is often for transparency and marketing purposes to increase ethical awareness and consumer confidence.
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Surfactants
Surfactants are surface-active substances that are essential for
removing dirt and grease from surfaces. They work by reducing the surface tension of liquids, allowing water to bond with oils and greases and effectively remove them. Surfactants are commonly found in products such as dishwashing detergents, laundry detergents and all-purpose cleaners. While they are extremely effective, synthetic surfactants can be difficult to biodegrade and negatively impact aquatic ecosystems.
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Fragrances
Many cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances designed to
create a pleasant smell and enhance the cleaning experience. However, these fragrances can consist of a variety of chemical compounds that can potentially trigger allergic reactions and other health issues. The exact composition of these fragrances is often not labeled, making it difficult for consumers to assess their safety.
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Preservative
Preservatives are added to extend the shelf life
of cleaning products and prevent the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and mold. While these chemicals maintain the effectiveness of cleaners over time, some preservatives, such as parabens or formaldehydes, can have harmful effects on health and should be used with caution.
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Colorants
Synthetic dyes are often used to give cleaning
products an appealing color. These dyes have no functional role in cleaning performance, but can help to visually differentiate the product from others. It is important to note that some synthetic dyes can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
mehr lesen...Explanation of the evaluation criteria
The design of the evaluation key for the sustainability scale of cleaning products takes several important aspects into account: Environmental sustainability, consumer safety, resource utilization and recyclability. The aim was to create a balanced and transparent rating that enables consumers to make informed decisions.
Up to 25 BiOHY points
This category is rated particularly highly because the choice of ingredients directly affects the environment and consumer health. Natural and renewable sources are preferred because they minimize environmental impact and promote sustainable practices. Avoiding harmful chemicals is crucial to reduce environmental damage and health risks. In addition, minimizing allergens and irritants is important for user safety.
Up to 20 BiOHY points
Health and safety are crucial for product selection. Products that do not require health warnings (label-free cleaners) receive the highest score as they are the safest option. Products that require warning labels indicate potential risks and therefore receive fewer points. Products that are classified as dangerous goods receive no points as they pose significant risks.
Up to 20 BiOHY points
A high yield reduces the consumption of resources and minimizes waste, which contributes directly to sustainability. Products that produce a lot of detergent from little concentrate are therefore rated highly. Less efficient products that need to be replaced more frequently are less sustainable and therefore receive fewer points.
Up to 20 BiOHY points
Packaging plays a key role in reducing the ecological footprint. Efficient use of packaging materials and the use of recyclable or recycled materials are therefore highly valued. Glass and other sustainable materials promote reuse and contribute to the longevity of packaging.
Up to 15 BiOHY points
Certifications such as the EU Ecolabel or the Blue Angel are indicators of strict environmental standards. Products bearing such certificates meet high requirements in terms of environmental friendliness and social responsibility and are therefore rated accordingly highly.
How to use our rating system for sustainable cleaning products
Up to 30 BiOHY points
AND scheme
10 points
Natural and renewable sources
Check the product label for claims such as "100% natural" or look for certifications such as EcoCert, USDA Organic or the BIO seal, which confirm that the ingredients come entirely from natural and renewable sources. This information is often prominently highlighted on the packaging or in the product description online.
10 points
Avoidance of harmful chemicals
Find out whether the product is free from known allergens and irritants that can frequently trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations. This information can be found on the product label (e.g. "Contains limonene. May cause allergic reactions").
For a more in-depth check, you can compare the ingredients with the list of frequently allergenic ingredients with the INCI list.
10 points
Minimization of allergens and irritants
Minimization of allergens and irritants (10 points): Find out whether the product is free from known allergens and irritants that can frequently trigger allergic reactions or skin irritations. This information can be found on the product label (e.g. "Contains limonene. May cause allergic reactions").
For a more in-depth check, you can compare the ingredients with the list of frequently allergenic ingredients with the INCI list.
Up to 20 BiOHY points
OR scheme
20 points
Label-free cleaners
Check the packaging and label of the product for the absence of hazard symbols. Products without warnings such as "Danger" or "Warning" are considered safer and are awarded full points.
10 points
Cleaners requiring labeling
Look for hazard statements on the label that indicate moderate risks - e.g. the exclamation mark (GHS07), which indicates skin or eye irritation, or the health hazard pictogram (GHS08), which indicates chronic health risks.
0 points
Cleaner as hazardous goods
Identify products with high risks by the presence of hazard symbols that indicate serious risks such as toxicity (skull and crossbones), corrosiveness (corrosive symbol) or high flammability (flame). You can recognize dangerous goods if these dangerous goods pictograms are shown on the packaging. If this is not the case, the product is not dangerous goods. As a rule, these products should be avoided.
Up to 20 BiOHY points
AND scheme
Check the product information:
You will find information on dosage and application on the product label or in the online product description. Indications such as "concentrated" or "highly concentrated" are good indicators of high coverage. These products often require less product per cleaning process.
Calculate the number of consumption units you can obtain from one liter of concentrate. You will usually find the dosage information on the label of the bottle, for example "1:200". This means that you use 5 ml of concentrate for 1 liter of water. To determine the number of consumption units, divide 1000 ml (the total amount of a liter of water) by 5 ml of concentrate. The result shows that you can carry out 200 applications with one liter of concentrate, which corresponds to a dilution ratio of 1:200.
If the dosage instructions vary, for example between 50 and 100 ml of concentrate per liter of water, you can either use the average value or your preferred quantity for the calculation. For example, if you use 100 ml of concentrate per 1000 ml of water, this results in a dilution ratio of 1:10, which means that you can make 10 applications from one liter of concentrate.
Application of the rating scale:
- 300 utilization units or more: 20 points
- 250 to 299 utilization units: 18 points
- 200 to 249 utilization units: 16 points
- 150 to 199 utilization units: 14 points
- 100 to 149 utilization units: 12 points
- 75 to 99 utilization units: 10 points
- 50 to 74 utilization units: 8 points
- 25 to 49 utilization units: 6 points
- 10 to 24 utilization units: 4 points
- 2 to 9 utilization units: 2 points
- 1:1 application (no dilution required): 0 points
Up to 15 BiOHY points
AND scheme
5 points
Checking packaging efficiency
You can check whether the packaging efficiently encloses the product without wasting unnecessary space. This reduces material consumption and CO2 emissions during transportation.
5 points
Determining the recyclability of packaging materials
Make sure that the packaging and the filling material are made of recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, paperboard and plastic. In the case of plastics, check whether they are marked with the recycling triangle, which often contains a number in the middle indicating the specific type of material (e.g. "1" for PET, "2" for HDPE).
5 points
Containers made from glass or recycled materials
Check whether the packaging of the cleaner is made from materials such as glass or recycled materials. For plastic packaging, look to see if it is marked with the recycling triangle, which often has a number in the center indicating the specific type of plastic. This marking helps you to recognize whether the plastic is recyclable or already recycled.
Up to 15 BiOHY points
Check the label of the cleaning product for recognized environmental and social certificates. The logos of these certificates are usually clearly visible on the front or back of the product. Look specifically for the following certifications, which represent strict standards for environmental compatibility and social responsibility:
EU Ecolabel, Blue Angel, Cradle to Cradle Certified, Nordic Swan Ecolabel, USDA Organic, EcoCert, Green Seal or Soil Association Organic.
Evaluation categories
Category
Weighting
Ingredients
30%
Health and safety
20%
Yield
20%
Packaging and shipping
15%
Certifications
15%
Valuation key
BiOHY points
Grade
Test result
100-90
Very good
1-15
89-70
Good
16-25
69-50
Satisfactory
26-35
49-30
Sufficient
36-45
29-10
Poor
46-55
9-0
Insufficient
56-60
Evaluation / Conclusion
Once you have calculated the score, e.g. 61 BiOHY points, you can see how the product is rated in the table at the top of the page. To calculate the score, e.g. 2.5, multiply the number of points by 0.06.
