EC detergents proposal draws a mixed response. (News: Europe).(European Commission proposes new biodegradability legislation for soaps)(Government Activity)(International Pages)(Brief Article)

Chemical Market Reporter, September, 2002

THE EUROPEAN detergents industry has given a mixed to European Commission (EC) proposal for a new regulation on detergent that tightens up rules on the biodegradability of surfactants and on labeling. The biodegradability provisions in the planned legislation will be widened to include all types of detergent surfactants.

Under existing European Union (EU) rules, fabric softener and dishwasher surfactants are excluded because of a lack of agreed testing methods. Under the proposed rules, primary biodegradability will have to reach a level of at least 80 percent, while ultimate biodegradability will require a minimum level of 60 percent. "On the whole, the biodegradability rules are an improvement on the existing legislation, although they will not...

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