Facts about Detergent Washing Powder Are they Eco Friendly

Facts about Detergent Washing Powder Are they Eco Friendly
The detergent market in India consists of two major categories: hand-wash and the machine-wash categories. Powder detergents and bar detergents form a major portion of the hand-wash segment.

In the machine-wash segment, powder detergents and liquid detergents are the main types.

The laundry soap that had been traditionally used for washing of cloths/fabrics has limitations in terms of performing in highly alkaline or acidic water.

In alkaline water, part of the soap is consumed to first
Soften the water and in the process its cleaning property gets reduced.

In acidic water the soap gets split into fatty acids and caustic solution, and this retards its cleaning property. These limitations of soaps have led to the development of synthetic detergents that are superior in performance.

The market for synthetic detergents was valued at about Rs 112 billion as of 2012–13, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of three per cent. The machine or automatic wash sales has been dominated by powder detergents (vis-à-vis liquid detergents), with a 98 per cent share in the market and a size of Rs 18,700 million.

1-
It is not compulsory for the detergent powder companies to declare or write the grade of powder.
As per Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), there are 3 grades.
No detergent brand has opted for the Eco-mark to have its environment-friendliness certified.
As per Indian Standard, the detergency percentage specified for detergent powders is:
Grade 1 = 65 per cent minimum
Grade 2 = 55 per cent minimum
Grade 3 = 45 per cent minimum

None of the brands met the specified requirement for Grade 1.

Detergents have certain ingredients (known as ‘active ingredients’) that are responsible for ensuring their cleaning performance. The national standards have specified different minimum active ingredient levels for the three grades of detergents:
Grade 1 = 19 per cent
Grade 2 = 16 per cent
Grade 3 = 10 per cent

None of the brands claimed the relevant grade as specified in Indian Standard.

2-
As per consumer voice report Henko Matic, Henko Stain Chamipion, Super Nirma Blue and Uni Wash were found to have added phosphate in the range of 3.2 per cent to 5.4 per cent. Considering the amount of phosphate in these brands, these cannot be termed eco-friendly

3-
Phosphates -
The Indian Standard specifies the minimum quantity of phosphates as an ingredient in detergents 11 per cent for Grade 1 and 7 per cent for Grade 2.
No requirement has been specified for Grade 3.

In India, most of the synthetic detergents are not phosphate-free due to lack of mandatory legislations.
Some manufacturers tend to put in liberal quantities of phosphates in detergents to increase the cleaning efficacy.

Also, no detergent brand available in the market has opted for the Indian eco-label (known as Ecomark), which certifies environment-friendliness of a product. The BIS has laid down the standards for eco-labelling of detergents in India. The standards suggest replacing phosphates with any other environment-friendly substance.

4-
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) –
Almost all the laundry detergents in India contain STPP
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) is mostly used as a phosphate ingredient in many detergents. It softens the water and prevents dirt particles from
Adhering to the garment. However, the use of STPP is also associated with environmental hazards

Common laundry detergent contains over 40 per cent STPP, although the global development is towards reducing this quantity, because it adversely affects the quality of the aquatic ecosystem and induces eutrophication
(Algal blooms, kills fishes and poor water quality).

5-
Fragrance –
Fragrances added to many cleaners, most notably laundry detergents and fabric softeners, may cause acute effects such as respiratory irritation, headache, sneezing, and watery eyes in sensitive individuals or allergy and asthma sufferers. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found that one-third of the substances used in the fragrance industry are toxic. But because the chemical formulas of fragrances are considered trade secrets, companies aren't required to list their ingredients but merely label them as containing ‘fragrance’.

6-
According to the labelling requirements laid down by BIS, each packet of detergent powder should also carry a caution statement that reads: Detergent solutions can be skin irritants. Avoid prolonged contact. Rinse garments and hands thoroughly.

No Brands follow the above law.

7-
Use of Plastic –
According to various environmental protection agencies (EPAs),
The laundry detergents are marketed in plastic packets that mostly
Happen to be non-biodegradable and non-recyclable. The big
Volume of detergent packaging generates heaps of plastic rubbish
Creating an enormous environmental impact.

Check the labels to see can it be recycled?
Check for Eco Friendly Label when you buy the Detergent Powder.

8-
Avoid products that list active ingredients of chlorine or ammonia, which can cause respiratory and skin irritation and will create toxic fumes if accidentally mixed together.

9-
Protect water quality and aquatic life by refusing to purchase detergents containing phosphates, which may cause algal blooms, or alkylphenol ethoxylates, including nonylphenol and octylphenol.

10-
Always try to find Eco friendly Detergent Washing Powder

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Friday, August 28, 2015

Tags – Detergent Washing Powder Eco Friendly Facts