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  • GECA Releases New Position Statement on Deodorisers, Air Fresheners & Airborne Cleaning Products

    31 Jan 2025 1:57 pm

    Deodorisers, air fresheners, and airborne cleaning products are on the rise in both domestic and commercial spaces. However, these products bring with them significant safety and sustainability concerns. In line with GECA’s dedication to ensuring the highest standards in ecolabel certification, we are proud to release a comprehensive Position Statement addressing these issues.

    Key Updates from GECA’s Position Statement

    After a detailed review of our current Cleaning Products (CPv3.0-2022) standard and its previous versions, GECA’s Standards & Technical team has outlined our stance on products that directly impact air quality. This Position Statement provides crucial guidance for current and prospective licensees’ compliance.

    The three key considerations that underpin our position include:

    (1) The hazardous nature of airborne products: Many deodorisers and airborne cleaning products are classified as hazardous. When released into the environment, these products carry risks, including eye and respiratory irritation, contribute to indoor air pollution, and pose toxicity risks to aquatic life.

    (2) Bringing older standard versions in line with current compliance: While air fresheners were not explicitly excluded in earlier versions of our standards, the current Cleaning Products (CPv3.0-2022) standard takes a more stringent approach. It excludes disinfectant sprays, air fresheners, and deodorisers from certification, aligning with best practices from global industry leaders such as the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and emerging scientific evidence.

    (3) The unique impacts and challenges of deodorisers, air fresheners, and disinfectants designed to directly impact the air: Such products would require further evaluation and potential formulation of new criteria as part of the standard revision process. Therefore, these types of products are considered specialty cleaning products that do not fall under the scope of GECA’s standards.

    GECA’s Official Position

    GECA’s position is that products designed to impact air quality directly are not allowed under the current Cleaning Products (CPv3.0-2022) standard.

    Cleaning products like disinfectants are permitted when delivered directly onto surfaces. If sprayed directly onto a surface, cleaning products are also permitted to have a deodorising function. This position also applies to multi-purpose cleaners (e.g., 3-in-1 cleaners) that offer an air freshener or deodorising function.

    To achieve compliance, licensees must update all usage instructions and marketing materials for such products to eliminate any functionality directly impacting the air. GECA reserves the right to revoke certification if these adjustments are not made. The scenarios above comply with the Cleaning Products (CPv3.0-2022) standard, provided they do not aerosolise into the air to disinfect, deodorise, or freshen it specifically.

    At GECA, we remain committed to upholding world-class standards in lifecycle ecolabel certification. By addressing the unique challenges posed by airborne cleaning products, we aim to protect consumer health and the environment while promoting best practices in the cleaning industry.

    We will continue to monitor industry developments, engage with stakeholders, and refine our standards to reflect emerging trends. Don’t hesitate to contact your account manager with questions or if you require support. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for people and the planet.

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