Phosphates were widely used in cleaning products not so long ago. Phosphates in washing powder and dishwashing tablets significantly increase cleaning efficiency. However, once the grey water is drained, phosphates eventually end up in lakes, rivers and waterways acting as a powerful fertilizer. This causes massive growth of algae which deprive other aquatic life of oxygen. Ecover, founded in a small garden shed in Belgium, was the first to introduce a phosphate-free laundry detergent.
The term “naturally derived” refers to an ingredient, formula or product as follows: “an ingredient made from renewable plant-based materials, abundant minerals and/or water. A formula or product where the functional ingredients (like cleaning or softening), are natural or naturally derived as noted above”
Ecover decided to take advantage of what nature has to offer, both in terms of natural renewable ingredients and the natural way of disposing them. Indeed, their soaps are formulated to be easily biodegradable during wastewater treatment. Most common wastewater treatment systems include biological processes in which naturally occurring bacteria break down the soaps along with wastewater material.
Ecover scientists have found that effective ingredients for soap can be made using fermentation. Naturally derived alcohols are used in many of their formulas to dissolve oils and stains. This way traditional production processes harmful to nature are kept to a minimum. This in turn minimizes overall impact on the environment.
Let’s take a look at some of their products:
Liquid Dish Soap
Ecover Dish Soap is very economical and efficient. One bottle normally lasts for 6 weeks for an average family’s dishwashing consumption. A usual pile of dishes needs 2-3 times less Ecover Dish Soap than regular dishwashing soap.
Ecover Dish Soap is made with plant-based and mineral ingredients. The soap is biodegradable, meaning once it is used it breaks down naturally.
Dishwasher Soap Tablets
Ecover Dishwasher Soap Tablets are phosphate-free. Just like Ecover Dish Soap, they are made with natural biodegradable ingredients. Despite not containing any phosphates, they are very effective at washing dishes, glasses and flatware.
Each tablet is individually packed in plastic, which is potentially not environmentally friendly. Perhaps Ecover wants us to do our part in maintaining a clean environment. So please dispose the plastic wrap properly.
Zero Laundry Detergent: Fragrance-Free Formula that Works in Cold Water
Ecover’s concentrated liquid laundry detergent uses zero fragrance, dyes or optical brighteners. Yet, it’s tough on stains even in cold water, so you can use less energy for every load.
Made with plant-based ingredients and packaged in sugarcane-made plastic, this biodegradable formula is gentle on your skin and the environment.
Ecover products are never tested on animals.
Source https://www.ecover.com/
