Ecocert Greenlife Standard For Natural Detergents Made With Organic 2017
Ecocert Greenlife Standard For Natural Detergents Made With Organic 2017
Ecocert Greenlife Standard For Natural Detergents Made With Organic 2017
NATURAL DETERGENTS
AND NATURAL DETERGENTS
MADE WITH ORGANIC
February 2017
This standard is protected by the provisions of the Intellectual Property Code and, notably,
those provisions relating to literary and artistic property and copyright. These rights are
the exclusive property of ECOCERT Greenlife. Reproduction in whole or in part, by any
means, that has not been authorised by ECOCERT Greenlife or its right-holders, is strictly
prohibited.
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CONTENTS
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CONTENTS ........................................................................................................... 2
FOREWORD .......................................................................................................... 6
I. PREAMBLE ................................................................................................... 7
II. OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................ 7
III. PRINCIPLES OF THE STANDARD ..................................................................... 8
A. The objectives of the standard .................................................................................... 8
B. Principles of the working method................................................................................. 8
IV. LOGIC OF THE STANDARD ............................................................................. 9
V. REGULATORY BASES .................................................................................... 9
A. CLP Regulation.......................................................................................................... 9
B. Regulations applicable to detergents............................................................................ 9
C. Organic Farming Regulations ..................................................................................... 10
D. The Biocidal Products Regulation ................................................................................ 10
E. Regulation of the certification of industrial products ...................................................... 10
F. Other local regulations .............................................................................................. 10
ARTICLES OF THE STANDARD ................................................................................11
I. FIELD OF APPLICATION ................................................................................12
A. Definition of a detergent ........................................................................................... 12
B. Admissibility of an application for certification .............................................................. 12
C. Users of certified products ......................................................................................... 12
II. LABELLING AND COMMUNICATION ................................................................12
A. References to the certification body ............................................................................ 12
B. Certification logo ...................................................................................................... 13
C. Biodegradability of the finished product ...................................................................... 13
D. Claiming characteristics of the standard ...................................................................... 13
E. Ingredients transparency obligation ............................................................................ 13
F. Labelling of disinfecting detergents............................................................................. 14
G. Examples ................................................................................................................ 15
H. User information ...................................................................................................... 15
I. Products for professional use ..................................................................................... 15
III. RULES ON THE INGREDIENTS AND COMPOSITION OF THE FINISHED PRODUCT ..16
A. Definition of different types of ingredients and the rules pertaining to them..................... 16
1. Ingredient from natural origin ................................................................................................ 16
2. Synthetic ingredient ............................................................................................................. 17
3. Ingredients derived from fermentation, enzymes and bacteria ................................................... 17
B. Rules applied to certain ingredient functions ................................................................ 18
1. Active disinfectant substances................................................................................................ 18
2. Certified organic ingredient.................................................................................................... 18
3. Fragrances and colorants ...................................................................................................... 19
4. Surfactants .......................................................................................................................... 19
5. Other ingredients ................................................................................................................. 19
6. Water ................................................................................................................................. 20
C. Rules on the composition of the finished product .......................................................... 20
1. Obligation of compliance of all ingredients ............................................................................... 20
2. Definition of the 2 labels ....................................................................................................... 20
D. Quality of ingredients and finished product .................................................................. 21
1. Contaminants ...................................................................................................................... 21
2. Prohibited ionising treatments ................................................................................................ 21
3. Absence of nitrosamines........................................................................................................ 21
4. Animal testing of finished products ......................................................................................... 21
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2. Secondary packagings .......................................................................................................... 22
3. Overpacking ........................................................................................................................ 22
B. Propellants .............................................................................................................. 22
V. PRODUCTION RULES ...................................................................................23
A. Storage and transport of ingredients and finished products ........................................... 23
B. Production operations (manufacture, wrapping and packaging) ...................................... 23
C. Cleaning and disinfection operations ........................................................................... 23
VI. CONTROL SYSTEM .......................................................................................25
A. Raw materials .......................................................................................................... 25
1. Compliance of raw materials .................................................................................................. 25
2. Compliance guarantees for organic raw materials ..................................................................... 25
3. Distributors of raw materials .................................................................................................. 25
B. Subcontracting and handling ..................................................................................... 25
C. Finished products ..................................................................................................... 26
D. Traceability and flow control ...................................................................................... 26
E. Quality system ......................................................................................................... 27
VII. MEASURES FOR PROTECTING THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT ....................28
A. Discharge management ............................................................................................ 28
B. Waste management.................................................................................................. 28
C. Energy management ................................................................................................ 28
VIII. CERTIFICATION PROCESS ............................................................................29
IX. CONDITIONS FOR UPDATING THE STANDARD ................................................30
A. Modification of the standard ...................................................................................... 30
B. Updates and information ........................................................................................... 30
APPENDIXES ........................................................................................................31
I. APPENDIX I: Authorised synthetic petrochemical ingredients, disinfectant
substances and ingredients from mineral origin ........................................................32
A. Authorised ingredients regardless of the type of detergent ............................................ 32
1. Pure synthetic ingredients ..................................................................................................... 32
2. Active disinfectant substances................................................................................................ 33
3. Ingredients from mineral origin .............................................................................................. 33
B. Authorised ingredients in laundry and dishwashing detergents ....................................... 33
C. Authorised ingredients in powder detergents ............................................................... 34
D. Authorised sequestrant regardless of the type of detergent ........................................... 34
II. APPENDIX II: Selection of surfactants ............................................................35
A. Review on the nature of surfactants ........................................................................... 35
B. Ethoxylated surfactants ............................................................................................ 35
C. Quaternised esters ................................................................................................... 35
D. Biodegradability of surfactants ................................................................................... 35
III. APPENDIX III: Authorised and prohibited physical and chemical processes .........36
A. List of authorised processes....................................................................................... 36
1. Authorised physical processes ................................................................................................ 36
2. Authorised chemical processes ............................................................................................... 36
B. Prohibited processes ................................................................................................. 37
IV. APPENDIX IV: Special precautions and instructions ..........................................38
V. APPENDIX V: Summary diagram of the certification process .............................39
A. Summary table of the steps of the certification process................................................. 39
VI. APPENDIX VI: Requirements for products approved for cleaning and disinfection of
facilities...............................................................................................................40
A. Labelled detergents .................................................................................................. 40
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B. Disinfectant substances ............................................................................................ 40
C. Prohibited substances ............................................................................................... 40
D. Provisions concerning the surfactants rejected by the standard ...................................... 40
E. Provisions relating to other ingredients rejected by this standard ................................... 40
VII. APPENDIX VII: Additional labelling categories .................................................41
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FOREWORD
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I. PREAMBLE
This standard is the result of a partnership between ECOCERT Greenlife, a certification
body in the environmental field, and certain detergent professionals who have long
expressed the need to find a solution to the following problems:
• The lack of an official standard relating to detergents that do not contain
petrochemical surfactants and made from natural origin substances.
• The difficulty, even impossibility, for the consumer, of recognising products that are
made exclusively from natural origin substances and using processes which are
respectful of the environment.
• The need to support detergent manufacturers focusing on respecting the qualities
of natural origin substances and the environment.
In other words, it is, firstly, about recognising the expertise of some detergent
manufacturers who are respectful of the environment throughout the production process
and, secondly, ensuring better transparency of composition for the consumer.
II. OBJECTIVES
Using this standard, ECOCERT Greenlife intends to meet the following objectives:
• Define a higher level of quality than that defined by European regulation of
detergents, which will guarantee real promotion of agro-resources, genuine respect
for the environment throughout the chain of production and real respect for the
consumer.
• Establish a link between certain detergents and Organic Farming, promoting the
use of plant-based ingredients produced using Organic Farming.
• Establish a link between certain detergents and respect for the environment.
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III. PRINCIPLES OF THE STANDARD
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IV. LOGIC OF THE STANDARD
Chapter I describes the field of application of the standard by identification of the product
and its planned usage:
• FIELD OF APPLICATION
Chapter II concerns the consumer. It describes the nature and method of communicating
information relating to the characteristics of the certified product:
• PRODUCTION RULES
• CONTROL SYSTEM
Chapter VII defines the requirements in terms of the global management of the production
unit:
The methods for assessing the compliance of the product are described in chapter VIII
which refers to Appendix V and its detailed diagram:
• CERTIFICATION PROCESS
A final chapter (chapter IX) details the conditions for updating the standard:
V. REGULATORY BASES
Any modification to a Regulation (EC) described in this chapter will be applicable in
accordance with its date of entry into force, even before this standard has been updated.
A. CLP Regulation
The CLP regulation is Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of
the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances
and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and
amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
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• Regulation (EC) No 907/2006 of 20 June 2006 amending Regulation (EC) No
648/2004 in order to adapt Appendixes III and VII.
• Regulation (EC) No 551/2009 of the Commission of 25 June 2009 amending
Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 in order to adapt Appendixes V and VI.
• Regulation (EC) No 259/2012 of the European Parliament and Council of 14 March
2012 amending Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 regarding the use of phosphates.
Thus any candidate for Natural Detergents and Natural Detergents made with Organic
certification must be familiar with the applicable regulations and the successive
consultations of the National Consumer Council (NCC):
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ARTICLES OF THE STANDARD
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I. FIELD OF APPLICATION
A. Definition of a detergent
This standard applies to the detergents defined by Regulation (EC) No 648/2004 of the
European Parliament of Council and its subsequent amendments. Thus, detergent is
defined here as:
"Any substance or preparation containing soaps and/or other surfactants intended for
washing and cleaning processes. Detergents may be in any form (liquid, powder, paste,
bar, cake, moulded piece, shape, etc.) and marketed for or used in household, or
institutional or industrial purposes."
or
Natural Detergent made with Organic certified by ECOCERT Greenlife according to with the
ECOCERT standard available at http://detergents.ecocert.com/en/
dependent on whether the product is certified in accordance with the Natural Detergents
or Natural Detergents made with Organic labels defined in III.C.
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B. Certification logo
The logo below, the graphic charter of which must be respected, can be used to show
certification. This charter is appended to the obligating documents (as specified in Appendix
V) and is an integral part of the General Terms and Conditions.
X% of the total ingredients are from natural origin. (or X% of the ingredients are from
natural origin.)
In the event that the products used are derived from Organic Farming and the
manufacturer wishes to claim this, it is compulsory that the percentage of ingredients
derived from Organic Farming must be displayed in the composition, the ingredients
produced using Organic Farming are then identified in the list by an asterisk and using the
following wording:
* X% of the total ingredients are from Organic Farming. (or * X% of the ingredients are
from Organic Farming.)
The categories of Appendix VII of the European Regulation are subdivided into the following
ranges, expressed as a percentage of weight:
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• Less than 5%
• 5% or over but less than 15%
• 15% or over but less than 30%
• 30% and more
The additional categories in Appendix VII of this standard and the ingredients listed using
plain English, the chemical name, or INCI name are listed either in the usual "Ingredients"
list and are, therefore, also divided into ranges, or in a section headed "Also contains:",
located just below and then listed in descending order by weight percentage.
The categories of Appendix VII of the European Regulation, if present at less than 0.2%,
must also be listed under "Also contains" (except the categories of enzymes, disinfectants
and fragrances which must be listed in "Composition" even when the content is less than
0.2%, in accordance with the provisions of the European Regulation)
If a category contains an organic ingredient (E.g. fragrance) and if there are also non-
organic ingredients in the concerned category, the organic ingredient must be listed in
brackets, stating "among others:".
The font size for the elements relating to product composition and certification, as defined
above, should be equivalent between said elements but also, insofar as possible, should
also match the majority of other descriptive elements on the label.
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G. Examples
Laundry detergent:
Composition:
> 30% sodium sulphate
15-30% zeolites, soap, non-ionic surfactants
5-15% sodium carbonate, silicates
< 5% enzymes, fragrance, disinfectant (lactic acid CAS N°79-33-4: 3%(w/w))
Contains: Linalool, citral
Window cleaner:
Composition:
5-15% anionic surfactants
< 5% non-ionic surfactants, fragrance (among others: essential oil of lemon*),
Potassium Sorbate
Also contains:
Water, Ethanol*, colorant, salt
H. User information
Clear and precise information on the amount of product used per wash cycle must be given.
The unit of measurement must be displayed; a second well-known unit of measurement,
such as a teaspoon, for example, can also be given.
The particulars specified in Appendix IV must be displayed on the label or in another media
(communication document, website). In the latter case, a reference to that other medium
must be mentioned on the label.
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III. RULES ON THE INGREDIENTS AND COMPOSITION OF THE FINISHED
PRODUCT
PROCESS
Ingredient
from natural
Mineral
origin
Animal
Chemically transformed ingredient
(ingredient from plant origin, ingredient from mineral
origin or animal origin ingredient)
Synthetic
ingredient
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• Mineral ingredients are not the subject of a positive list.
• Ingredients from mineral origin are the subject of a positive list in Appendix I.A.3
of the standard. Any addition of a new ingredient to this list will be carried out in
accordance with paragraph IX, relating to modification of the standard.
2. Synthetic ingredient
• A synthetic ingredient is understood to be any ingredient derived, totally or partially,
from the petrochemical industry. They cannot be part of the composition of a
product covered by this standard.
• However, without prejudice to European regulation of detergents, preservative
agents, in accordance with Appendix I.A.1 of this standard, are authorised in the
ingredients or the finished product to ensure the longevity of certain detergents.
• Also authorised are the other ingredients in Appendix I.A.1 that do not have a
preservation function and surfactants as defined in Appendix I.D.
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B. Rules applied to certain ingredient functions
These are listed, and their corresponding specific requirements, in Appendix I.A.2
a) General Information
Any ingredient that complies with the definition in the Organic Farming Regulations (see
Foreword V.C.) can be used.
Raw materials that are certified as organic by this standard, by the Ecocert Greenlife
Ecological and Organic Cosmetics standard or by the Cosmos standard are also authorised.
b) Aqueous extracts
The organic percentage of an aqueous extract is calculated as follows:
Water is not considered to be a solvent and the stated quantities of the solvents are the
final quantities.
In the absence of a solvent (glycerine, ethanol, etc.), the organic percentage is:
• Organic % = (initial quantity of fresh organic plant / final quantity of extract) x 100
To calculate the equivalent weight of fresh plant introduced when a dried plant is used, it
is possible:
• Either to use the actual dry plant / fresh plant ratio supplied by the manufacturer
thereof.
• Or to use the following ratios:
Wood, bark, seeds, nuts, roots 1 : 2.5
Leaves, flowers, aerial parts 1 : 4.5
Watery fruits 1:8
c) Oily macerates
Oily macerates will be counted at the level of the quantities of organic ingredients initially
introduced.
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3. Fragrances and colorants
Only natural fragrances and colorants are authorised if the processes for obtaining them
are physical or chemical processes that comply with Appendix III. Fragrances and colorants
derived from petrochemicals ((including those identical to nature) are not authorised, even
if they are food safe.
4. Surfactants
Only surfactants from natural origin (see III.A.1.a) obtained using processes that comply
with Appendix III are authorised.
Soaps made from resin acids derived from conifers, as well as cationic surfactants (except
those that comply with the provisions of Appendix II) are not authorised because of their
extremely high aquatic toxicity.
Certain surfactants from natural origin that contain a synthetic moiety are tolerated but
only in Natural Detergents and if they comply with the provisions of Appendix II. These
provisions aim to establish a quantitative and temporal limitation for their use.
5. Other ingredients
b) Ethanol
Ethanol from natural origin only is accepted. If it is denatured, the denaturant must be
identified in the composition of the product. In compliance with Regulation (EU) n° 3199/93
and its amendments, synthetic authorized denaturants are listed in Appendix I.
c) Sodium chloride
Sodium chloride (salt) must be of mineral origin and use of anti-caking additive E535
(sodium ferrocyanide) is prohibited.
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6. Water
Water is deemed to be a mineral ingredient. Therefore, it cannot be organic. It must be
considered not to be polluted by physicochemical and microbiological contaminants and
can be:
In the case of an internal water treatment system, the system must comply with the
procedures authorised in Appendix III and avoid stagnation and risk of contamination. The
water obtained must be of a defined quality.
The quality of the water must be verified either using tests or by monitoring the parameters
of the treatment system.
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c) Rules specific to Natural Detergents made with Organic
Natural Detergents made with Organic cannot be certified if they:
• Carry any risk phrase whatsoever on the label (with the exception of concentrated
refills if they are developed such that contact with the user is impossible under
normal conditions of use. In this case, only risk phrases H400, H410, H411, H412
and H413, or phrases R50 to R59 in accordance with directive 2001/59/EC are
prohibited)
• Contain disinfectant substances, if they are claimed to be such.
• Contain ethoxylated surfactants (except if they are 100% natural in origin) in
accordance with Appendix II
• Contain quaternary esters (unless they are diluted in plant ethanol) in accordance
with Appendix II
• Contain a preservative of the isothiazolinone, glycolic acid or polyaspartic acid
family, in accordance with Appendix I.A.1
1. Contaminants
All ingredients and their derivatives must be proven to be unpolluted by contaminants.
3. Absence of nitrosamines
The ingredients and finished products must not generate the formation of nitrosamines.
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IV. WRAPPING AND PACKAGING
A. Packaging
1. Primary packagings
The product will be packaged with the greatest respect for the environment, in recyclable
formats and volumes and with low energy consumption.
Insofar as possible, the packaging will be made using materials for which there are
established recycling channels: glass, aluminium, paper/cardboard, PP, PET, PE).
Packaging made from renewable resources is acceptable. Those made from dead animals
or involving the death of an animal (leather, silk, etc.) are prohibited.
For any other material submitted, a study of the technical dossier will be made taking into
account one or more of the following:
• Products sold in single doses (except laundry detergent and dishwasher tablets,
which can be individually wrapped to protect them from moisture and limit
overdoses)
• Wet wipes
Manufacturers must try their best to market a refill system for their products. Concentrated
refills, containing a limited quantity of water, should be prioritised.
The use of certain materials, such as vinyl polymers (e.g. PVC) and styrenic polymers (e.g.
PS) will be routinely rejected.
2. Secondary packagings
Using secondary packagings must be justified and these have to be biodegradable.
Nevertheless, especially for refills, their eventual secondary packaging might only be
recyclable.
3. Overpacking
Overpacking such as cases/boxes cellophanage is prohibited.
B. Propellants
Certain propellant gases are prohibited. Sprays, atomisers or misters using a pressurised
gas such as propane, n-butane, isobutene or methoxymethane (dimethyl ether), which
represent a potential hazard, are prohibited.
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V. PRODUCTION RULES
All possible measures should be taken to ensure the identification of batches and to avoid
any risk of mixing, contamination or confusion.
The productions covered by this standard must in no way involve the use of non-compliant
products; cleaning and disinfection operations before and after any production of
products endorsed by this standard must be carried out using cleaning and disinfection
products which comply with the requirements defined in Appendix VI.
Thus, the surfaces in contact or which may come into contact with the ingredients (tank,
packaging line, small equipment, etc.), bulk goods, semi-finished or finished products must
be cleaned / disinfected with a product that complies with Appendix VI.
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Moreover, if the ingredients or products are not stored on pallets or in such a way as to
avoid any contact with the ground (and therefore possible contamination), the floor
cleaning / disinfecting products must comply with the provisions of Appendix VI
Furthermore, any product used in an environmental treatment, and which is likely to come
into direct or indirect contact with the products covered by this standard, must comply with
Appendix VI.
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VI. CONTROL SYSTEM
A. Raw materials
Where the check raises doubts about the provenance of a material or a supplier, this
material can only be processed after elimination of that doubt, unless the product resulting
therefrom is placed on the market without any indication relating to this standard.
• Absence of repackaging, with reference to the name of the original supplier on the
packaging of the delivered products
• Presentation of a transaction document or attestation issued by the distributor
allowing the original supplier to be guaranteed
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Furthermore, a certificate and/or attestation of compliance with this standard must be
presented and be valid at the moment of transaction.
C. Finished products
To ensure the traceability and quality of marketed products, transaction documents
(invoices, delivery notes, intermediary labels) must bear the certification guarantees
(reference to quality and, if applicable, to the standard and / or certification body):
For example, "Natural Detergents Ecocert" or "Natural Detergents made with Org. Ecocert"
depending on the nature of the product, meet this requirement.
For indications on labels designed for the end consumer, refer to paragraph II.A of this
standard.
A certificate of compliance with this standard must be presented and be valid at the time
of transaction.
A sample of each batch of the certified finished product must be retained for at least the
lifespan of the product in sufficient quantities to carry out tests to verify compliance with
this standard.
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E. Quality system
The operator must have a control system that allows him to check and manage compliance
of products and, specifically, the compliance of:
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VII. MEASURES FOR PROTECTING THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT
Companies must implement a series of measures, along with the associated internal control
procedures, concerning the processing of all waste products resulting from a production
process, to protect the environment. These measures must as a minimum include:
These provisions only apply to companies directly committed to the certification body and
which have a production process (manufacture and/or packaging).
This standard considers that ISO 14001 allows the company to comply with these
requirements.
A. Discharge management
All businesses must undertake a process of improving the management of discharges
(waste from industrial activity, in a gaseous, liquid or fluidised solid state), the objective
of which is the purification of any discharge in an effective and efficient manner.
B. Waste management
All businesses must undertake a process of improving the management of waste, and as a
minimum:
C. Energy management
All businesses must undertake a process of improving the management of energy, the
objective of which is to provide for the ever-increasing use of renewable energies and a
growing call to action to save energy.
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VIII. CERTIFICATION PROCESS
The detailed certification process is attached to the Natural Detergents and Natural
Detergents made with Organic standard on request for information from Ecocert.
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IX. CONDITIONS FOR UPDATING THE STANDARD
The certification standard is a technical document that defines the characteristics that must
be presented by a detergent product and the means of checking the compliance of these
characteristics. Development and modification of the standard are performed in compliance
with French standard NF X50-067, which provides, in particular, that stakeholder
consultation must include as a minimum:
This consultation is carried out with the Ecocert Greenlife Scheme Comitee whose members
have submitted an application and whose mission is to provide the following
recommendations:
This standard shall be considered to be a living document that may be updated and
improved on a continual basis.
If the standard is modified, Ecocert commits to define and communicate a transition period.
No withdrawal of products already on the market shall be required (unless required by
regulation) provided that the products conform to the old version of the standard.
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APPENDIXES
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I. APPENDIX I: Authorised synthetic petrochemical ingredients,
disinfectant substances and ingredients from mineral origin
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2. Active disinfectant substances
Disinfectant substance CAS No.
Ethanol 64-17-5
Peracetic Acid 79-21-0
L-(+)-lactic Acid 79-33-4
Hydrogen Peroxide 7722-84
Ethanol, lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide must be of natural origin (as defined in III.A.1),
peracetic acid may be of natural or synthetic origin.
Their possible stabilizer may be of natural or synthetic origin. However, in the latter case,
its function must be proven.
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C. Authorised ingredients in powder detergents
INCI or usual name Function
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II. APPENDIX II: Selection of surfactants
B. Ethoxylated surfactants
As an exception, and during a transition period that will end when alternatives exist on the
market, anionic and non-ionic surfactants ethoxylated with synthetic ethylene oxide may
be used in the composition of the products covered by the standard, solely for the Natural
detergent label. They are prohibited in certified Natural Detergents made with Organic
label.
The total amount (anionic and non-ionic) of surfactants ethoxylated with synthetic ethylene
oxide must not exceed 30% (by weight of active ingredient) of the total amount of all the
surfactants.
The total amount of synthetic ethylene oxide (as surfactant moiety) must not exceed 2%
of the formula.
C. Quaternised esters
Quaternised esters from plan origin may be allowed as cationic surfactants on condition
that they are readily biodegradable and their possible solvent is a plant-based or
isopropanol solvent. These ingredients can only be used in fabric softener products.
However, for the organic detergent label, only solvents of plant origin will be authorised.
D. Biodegradability of surfactants
Only those surfactants with an ultimate biodegradability of over 60% within 28 days
according to EN ISO 14593 and anaerobic biodegradability of 60% according to EN ISO
11734 are authorised.
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III. APPENDIX III: Authorised and prohibited physical and chemical
processes
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B. Prohibited processes
List of processes (non-exhaustive list)
Discoloration / Deodorising of materials of animal origin
Deterpenation (other than water vapour)
Use of petrochemical ethylene oxide (unless an exception has been made, see Appendix
II) for sterilisation or as a reagent.
Irradiation by ionising radiation (X rays, alpha, beta, gamma, etc.)
Genetic modifications
Sulfonation
Extraction of vegetable ingredients using petrochemical solvents (hexane, toluene etc.)
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IV. APPENDIX IV: Special precautions and instructions
The particulars specified below are to be displayed on the label or a reference should be
made in other media (communication document, website):
"To save water and energy by washing efficiently, immerse the dishes in water instead of
washing with a jet from the tap and stick to the recommended product doses. Efficient
washing does not require lots of foam"
Dishwasher detergents
"To respect the environment, run your dishwasher with a full load, choose low temperature
washing cycles and follow dosage instructions"
Fabric detergents
"To respect the environment, run your washing machine with a full load, choose low
temperature washing cycles and follow dosage instructions"
Surface and bathroom cleaners (if the instructions for use give doses or dilutions).
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V. APPENDIX V: Summary diagram of the certification process
2. Mailing of:
• the standard / logo chart
1. Request information on
• the pre-inquiry questionnaire
detergents certification
A. • the certification process
Application
review
4. Study of your
commitment/renewal request
3. Transmission of the completed If your request is not admissible, we will
forms (for an initial request or a inform you by return.
continuous update of the information) Mailing of a proposed contract (quotation
+ General Terms and Conditions)
B.
5. Commitment (by signing the
Commitment
quotation)
9. Onsite Audit
D. Approval
Statement about
audit
discrepancies.
Proposals for relevant
corrective actions.
Audit report co-signed.
Potential sampling.
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ECOCERT GREENLIFE SAS
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VI. APPENDIX VI: Requirements for products approved for cleaning and
disinfection of facilities
Each cleaning agent used by the company must be verified by Ecocert Greenlife to ensure
its compliance.
A. Labelled detergents
Detergents certified by Ecocert Greenlife or equivalent are routinely accepted. Also,
ingredients authorised for use in the detergents certified according to this standard can be
used.
B. Disinfectant substances
As an indication, disinfectant substances such as those as defined in III.B.1 can be used.
In addition, isopropanol can also be used. (Reminder: This ingredient cannot, however, be
used in a certified detergent)
C. Prohibited substances
In accordance with the provisions set forth in this standard, the following ingredients and
products are prohibited:
• Formalin
• Ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA)
• Genetically modified products
• Chlorine-based products or chlorinated derivatives
• Ammonia-based products
• Phosphate and phosphonate-based products
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ECOCERT GREENLIFE SAS
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VII. APPENDIX VII: Additional labelling categories
Below are additional categories for labelling of certified products, in accordance with Article
II.E of this standard.
Additional categories
abrasives
glycolic acid (and salts thereof)
polyaspartic acid (and salts thereof)
antiredeposition agents
alcohols
bases
waxes
colorants
acidity regulator
pH regulator
denaturant
water
emollients
esters
glycols
oils
essential oils
pigments
salt (solely for NaCl, KCl)
carbonates salts
sulphates salts
sequestrants
silicates
solvents
stabilisers
vinegar
viscosifiers, thickener
The origin (as defined in III.A.1) of a category can be mentioned if the ingredients it
contains are of similar origin. E.g. plant dyes or bases from mineral origin.
As specified in paragraph II.E of the standard, ingredients that do not correspond to any
category of Regulation EC/648/2004 or those defined above are indicated on the label
using plain language, the chemical name or INCI name. However, the request to create a
new category for these ingredients may be considered by Ecocert after consultation with
the Scheme Committee.
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ECOCERT GREENLIFE SAS
www.ecocert.com