Is Ecolabel really that good at cleaning chemicals? A comparison with UNE-ISO 16128
In a context in which environmental awareness is gaining ground, the demand for cleaning chemicals that claim to be "greener" continues to grow. However, the reality behind labels and rules is not always as simple as it seems. The Ecolabel seal, for example, may indicate that a product meets certain environmental criteria, such as reduced packaging or the use of more concentrated formulas, without necessarily meaning that its ingredients are completely harmless or natural. For its part, the UNE-ISO 16128 standard provides a framework for assessing the percentage of ingredients of natural origin in formulations, but does not guarantee a lower overall impact on the environment. Against this backdrop, how do you really distinguish an "eco-friendly" product from one that simply optimizes certain parameters without being entirely respectful of the planet? This article aims to shed light on the differences and similarities between Ecolabel and UNE-ISO 16128, helping professionals and consumers to make more informed decisions.

In a professional and industrial cleaning market that is increasingly concerned with sustainability, numerous "green" labels and certifications have become more visible. Among them, the European Union's Ecolabel, recognised for its strict environmental criteria, stands out. However, when we talk about cleaning chemicals, the reality can be more complex. Does complying with Ecolabel requirements really guarantee a product that respects human health and the environment? Or does it only indicate that it meets certain conditions, such as being more concentrated, reducing the volume of packaging, without necessarily ensuring that its ingredients are of natural origin and less aggressive?
In this context, the comparison with the UNE-ISO 16128 standard, focused on the classification of natural and organic ingredients, arises. While the latter is not an organic certification in itself, it provides transparency about the origin of raw materials. This leads us to a reflection: Which is more sustainable, a product with an Ecolabel that contains aggressive chemicals but in smaller quantities and, therefore, reduces its footprint in packaging, or one whose ingredients are mostly natural according to UNE-ISO 16128, but lacks a European environmental seal?
1. The Ecolabel in cleaning chemicals: an absolute guarantee?
The European Union Ecolabel was created to indicate those products that, throughout their life cycle, have the lowest environmental impact. In the case of cleaning products, this label requires passing a series of tests and criteria, such as the biodegradability of certain components, the reduction of toxic substances, the use of more recyclable packaging, the effectiveness with lower doses or the use of concentrated formulas that reduce transport and packaging material.
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A more concentrated product, not necessarily more natural:
A detergent or degreaser with Ecolabel can be formulated with synthetic chemical agents but more effective, which allows the amount used per use to be reduced. As it is more concentrated, it generates less plastic waste and reduces emissions in transport. These achievements undoubtedly represent a significant environmental advantage. However, the fact of carrying Ecolabel does not imply that the product is harmless, organic or totally benign to nature. For example, it may contain synthetic surfactants that, although they meet the required conditions of biodegradability and toxicity, are still compounds of petrochemical origin, with a less obvious impact than a conventional product, but far from being completely "natural". -
Regulatory compliance vs. desired environmental attributes:
The Ecolabel guarantees that established criteria have been followed, supervised and regularly updated, which gives a certain credibility and recognition. However, the user should be aware that a product with this label does not equate to a certification of purely natural ingredients, but to a lower environmental burden within a comparative range. In other words, Ecolabel does not judge whether the ingredient is "respectful" in absolute terms, but whether the product meets relative requirements that make it preferable to others on the market.
2. UNE-ISO 16128: the focus on the naturalness of the ingredient
UNE-ISO 16128 is an international standard that focuses mainly on defining and classifying the origin of the ingredients used, especially in sectors such as cosmetics, and whose spirit can also be applied to other areas. This standard establishes the criteria to determine what percentage of a formula can be considered natural, of natural origin or even organic.
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It is not an eco-label, but a framework of transparency:
As it is not a certification, UNE-ISO 16128 does not impose sanctions or prohibit the use of certain chemicals. It simply provides a technical basis for companies to clearly communicate the origin of their components. With this, a company could say: "My detergent contains 90% ingredients of natural origin", which, although it does not guarantee a minimum environmental impact in all phases of the life cycle, at least it does provide honest and verifiable information on the origin of raw materials. -
Advantages and limitations of the standard:
UNE-ISO 16128 allows companies that wish to opt for natural products to transparently indicate the proportion of ingredients from plant, mineral or biological sources. However, the standard does not assess biodegradability, aquatic toxicity, product efficacy at reduced doses, or the impact on packaging or transport. Therefore, a product that complies with UNE-ISO 16128 could be very "natural" in its composition, but, if it is not formulated with global sustainability criteria, it could still have a significant environmental impact (for example, high water consumption, poorly recyclable packaging or a greater amount of waste).
3. Comparison from the perspective of the cleaning chemist:
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Environmental objective vs. naturalness:
- Ecolabel: It seeks to reduce the global environmental impact, allows chemicals that are not necessarily natural, but reduces packaging, improves biodegradability and limits the most harmful components.
- UNE-ISO 16128: It indicates the degree of naturalness of the ingredients, but does not guarantee a lower overall environmental impact or establish limits on toxicity, biodegradability or packaging reduction.
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Credibility and verification:
- Ecolabel: It is backed by the EU and subject to regular reviews by independent bodies, which increases its reliability as a seal.
- UNE-ISO 16128: It is not a certification, but a guideline. It is based on the honesty and transparency of the manufacturer, without the recognition of a central authority that verifies compliance.
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Consumer appeal:
- Ecolabel: It makes it easy for the consumer to interpret: "This product is more environmentally friendly than average."
- UNE-ISO 16128: It requires a certain interpretative capacity from the consumer: "This product claims to be 80% natural. What does this mean? Is it better for the environment or just more 'natural' in origin?"
4. What is better for the planet and for the consumer?
There is no universal answer. A product with an Ecolabel can help reduce overall impact and be a more environmentally responsible option than a traditional one, even if it contains synthetic chemicals. On the other hand, a product with a high percentage of natural ingredients according to UNE-ISO 16128 may be less aggressive and more in line with the ecological philosophy, although without the endorsement of an environmental label that guarantees a lower overall footprint.
In the case of cleaning chemicals, a combination of both approaches would be ideal:
- That the product complies with Ecolabel, ensuring a globally more sustainable formula in terms of life cycle, controlled toxicity, less use of plastics and greater biodegradability.
- In addition, the ingredients must comply with a standard such as UNE-ISO 16128, providing a higher percentage of natural components and reducing the use of petrochemical substances.
5. Conclusion: Between "eco" concentration and authentic naturalness
The Ecolabel provides a clear guarantee: your product, compared to others on the market, generates less environmental impact throughout its life cycle. However, it can still use more or less aggressive synthetic chemicals. On the other hand, UNE-ISO 16128 offers transparency on how natural the formula is, but it does not ensure a kinder end result to the planet if broad environmental criteria are not implemented.
The true sustainability of cleaning chemicals is not a matter of choosing one label or another, but of a holistic commitment: reducing packaging, improving biodegradability, limiting toxic substances, and at the same time, betting on natural ingredients where possible. Only in this way will the market be able to have cleaning solutions that not only "meet a standard", but that truly respect human health and the environment in all its complexity.
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