Dr. Susanne Stark (Copyright: Baumgarten)

Ecological cleaning works very well - Interview with Susanne Stark, VKI!

Dr. Stark on cleaning agents with the Austrian Ecolabel.

What do you consider to be the main advantages of cleaning agents for building cleaning, which are certified with the Austrian Ecolabel?

Stark: In addition to the environmental properties, we also look at the health effects of the chemicals contained in the detergents. Especially with detergents, the topic of allergy trigger is important to us, for example, fragrances and preservatives can trigger allergies. In cleaning products with the Austrian Ecolabel, there are strong restrictions for allergenic substances that go beyond the law. Allergy-inducing fragrances or preservatives may only be used up to a low limit. Other substances of health concern, such as Formaldehyde releasers are completely prohibited. I think that this is not only beneficial for the cleaning staff, but also for those who use the cleaned rooms. For example, our cleaning staff used to use highly fragrant products before Ecolabel products were used. I am an allergic person and I have noticed that my nose is irritated and I do not feel well, so the cleaning products can also affect the room users.

Some people are of the opinion that harmful substances are prohibited anyway. What do you think?

Stark: It`s just not! At this moment, 26 allergenic fragrances must be declared, if they are contained in the product above 0.01%. In our Ecolabel, these fragrances are not allowed in the percentages above which they must be declared. The legislator does a little bit of work by making the fragrances mandatory to be declared, and then there is the Ecolabel, which offers even more protection.

Cleaning agent bottles from above (Kreuzpointner)

Do you also pay attention to the quality of the products?

Stark: Yes, the quality of the cleaning products is an Ecolabel criterion. In some cases, tests are carried out by associations, in others by consumers. For example, cleaning staff evaluate the products in comparison to standard products on the market. The products must achieve at least 80% of the quality of the market leader.

What is the share of Austrian companies in those offering cleaning products with the Austrian Ecolabel?

Stark: Currently, 24 companies offer detergents and cleaners that are certified with the Austrian Ecolabel. In total, they offer 268 certified products. The majority of these products are intended for the commercial sector. 16 of these 24 companies are from Austria.

How is the number of certified washing and cleaning products and companies offering these products developing in the recent years?

Stark: With the 24 companies and the 268 excellent washing and cleaning products, we are already at a relatively high level and this level is slowly rising.

The Ecolabel Guidelines are regularly revised. How can the companies get involved?

Stark: The Austrian Ecolabel harmonizes with detergents and cleaners with the European Ecolabel. I am going to Brussels to revise the European Ecolabel directives and make our comments. I make every effort to good communication and exchange of information with our companies. As soon as there are relevant documents or information, I send them to all companies and ask for comments. The companies now trust me to handle the information well and this is how it works. This is certainly also due to the fact that this has been established for so many years and that I have had contacts for many years, this works very well.

Since when does the Austrian Ecolabel for detergents exist?

Stark: The Austrian Ecolabel for sanitary cleaners has existed since 2001.

Thanks for the interview!