Plant-based, sensitive and ‘eco’ detergents

We support people with all kinds of washing contexts, including their personal values towards consumer goods. We use the science, knowledge, and time we have to help them achieve the level of clean laundry they want.

Plant-based doesn’t have to mean sub-par, low waste doesn’t have to mean low quality, and sustainable doesn’t have to burn a hole in your pocket.

Washing requirements for plant-based, sensitive and ‘eco’ detergents

Surfactants’ ability to remove soiling is not reliant on whether it is plant-based or petroleum-based. However, some of these detergents contain fewer or weaker surfactants than mainstream detergents.

Like any detergent, it is sometimes necessary to increase the amount of detergent above the manufacturer’s recommendation to achieve a great clean.

Many, but crucially not all, work best using hot (60ºC) washes. Our detergent index contains several plant-based detergents that wash well in warm (40°C) water.

What makes an environmentally friendly detergent

As well as ingredients, consider the packaging, where the detergent is made, and how far it needs to travel to reach your house.

To be environmentally friendly, a detergent must:

• use sustainable feedstock for raw material production, and
• be readily degradable in wastewater and not harmful to the environment (both aquatic, flora and the soil).

Phosphates in laundry detergent

Many eco-conscious Australian detergents promote themselves as ‘phosphate-free’. This is largely a marketing ploy, as it implies other detergents contain a harmful level of phosphate. Phosphate-free options are widely available in all Australian supermarkets and have been for over a decade.

Australian detergents comply with a voluntary Phosphorus Standard (the Standard) run by Accord Australasia. When the Standard began in 1994, it set a maximum of 7.8 g phosphorus per wash (denoted by the ‘P’ logo). Products containing negligible phosphorus (0.5% elemental phosphorus by weight) were able to use the ‘NP’ logo.

After a widespread decrease in phosphorus content, the Standard was revised in March 2024. The ‘P’ logo was retired. The benchmark for laundry detergents is now negligible phosphorus content (< 0.5%, ‘NP’).

Some detergents contain phosphonates as chelating agents; these are distinct from phosphates.

‘Eco’ credentials around the world

Products that are labelled ‘eco’ must comply with legislation, and ideally, certification for the entire life cycle of the product.

Australian law requires all ‘eco’ claims to be accurate, substantiated, specific, not unqualified and/or general statements. Claims should only be made for a real benefit, not overstated and should consider the whole product life cycle.

The European Union uses ‘Ecolabel’, a certification awarded to products and services that have a lower environmental impact than other products in the same group. The label criteria were devised using scientific data on the whole of a product’s life cycle, from product development to disposal. This certification is also available for Australian products. The United States has similar ecolabel standards.