EU Ecolabel for cleaning products: What it means and why it’s not the end goal
If you’re searching for information about the EU Ecolabel for cleaning products, chances are you’re looking for proof. Proof that a product is safer, more sustainable, and still does the job.
At i-hygienic, we agree, partly.
Because while the EU Ecolabel is a valuable certification, it’s not where innovation starts. It’s what follows when products are pushed to a higher standard.
Let’s explain.
What is the EU Ecolabel?
The EU Ecolabel is an official, independent environmental certification issued by the European Union. It helps customers identify products including professional cleaning products and detergents that have a reduced environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
That lifecycle includes:
ingredients
production
daily use
disposal and packaging
In short: the EU Ecolabel looks beyond the promise on the label and checks what’s really going on.
What does the EU Ecolabel mean for cleaning products?
For professional cleaning products, the EU Ecolabel sets strict criteria in several key areas:
Ingredients
The use of hazardous substances needs to be limited. Products must meet requirements for biodegradability, must not contain microplastics, and must have a reduced impact on water organisms.
Performance
Products must be effective. Because a sustainable cleaning agent that doesn’t clean properly leads to re-cleaning and that’s not sustainable at all.
Safety
Lower risks for users and the environment when products are used as intended.
Packaging
Requirements for recyclability and reduced environmental impact.
This means that EU Ecolabel detergents and cleaning products must strike a balance between environmental responsibility and professional performance.
Why the EU Ecolabel is not the goal but still matters
At i-hygienic, we don’t develop products for the EU Ecolabel.
We develop products by asking:
Can this be safer for the user?
Can it be greener for the planet?
And can it clean just as well, or better, than conventional alternatives?
That mindset pushes innovation further than any checklist ever could.
The EU Ecolabel then becomes a confirmation, not a starting point.
Why?
Because true sustainability in professional cleaning isn’t about collecting labels. It’s about continuously improving safety, performance and environmental impact for the people who clean and the spaces they clean.
At the same time, independent certifications like the EU Ecolabel play an important role: they provide trusted, third-party verification of sustainability claims that might otherwise remain unproven. Their recognition helps customers separate real impact from marketing language.
So, when an independent certification like the EU Ecolabel confirms us reaching our goals? We’re happy to show it.
Curious how this works in your reality?
Reading about standards and labels is one thing. Seeing what works in your own environment is another. That’s why we offer on-site demos.
During a demo, we take a close look at your facility, your cleaning challenges and your daily routines. We don’t just assess cleaning performance; we also explore what a change in cleaning products could mean for your organisation’s sustainability goals. Think about reduced chemical use, less waste, safer products for staff and a smaller environmental footprint.
Based on this, we select the i-hygienic products that fit your situation and show how they perform in practice.
The right products, used the right way, with a clearer view of both performance and sustainability impact.
Interested in a demo or curious what switching could mean for your organisation? Get in touch with our team. We’re happy to take a look together.
Book a free demo