In 2008, sales of natural personal care and household products increased by 8.4% according to Nutrition Business Journal, April 2009. But the parallel increase in “greenwashing” points to a need for a credible 3rd-party certification of these products. Shoppers are confused and frustrated by false and misleading claims and indecipherable ingredient lists on labels. It was with this in mind that Green Seal, a leading independent ecolabel in the United States, developed the first life-cycle based standard for consumer soaps. After 18 months in development, Green Seal is excited to announce the release of its Environmental Leadership Standard for Soaps, Cleansers, and Shower Products, GS-44.
GS-44 is the first standard to comprehensively address the health, environmental, and labeling concerns for soaps, cleansers, shampoo, and conditioners for adults, children and infants. Now companies offering truly sustainable personal care products can apply for certification to back up their claims.
The new standard prohibits carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins, and other known health hazards, and stipulates other restrictions. To reduce environmental impact, products must be biodegradable, not contain phosphorus, and packaging must be source-reduced. In addition, the standard requires the package include a list of all ingredients in the product and that it defines common claims made on the label such as "natural", "organic", and "bio-based".
“The Green Seal® on a product label makes it easier for shoppers to identify products without harmful ingredients,” said Dr. Cheryl Baldwin, Vice President of Standards for Green Seal, Inc. “It serves as a reassurance to consumers that the product works as well as or better than its non-green counterpart, and is truly a safer product.”
The new standard is available for reading and downloading on the Green Seal Web site.
About Green Seal
Green Seal, a non-profit based in Washington D.C., has been identifying consumer and institutional products and services that protect the environment and human health since 1989. Green Seal has developed over 40 standards and certified more than 3,300 products and services. For more information, visit www.GreenSeal.org.
