Detergent Congress 2025: An industry at the crossroads of innovation and regulatory obligations
The Detergent Congress 2025 took place at a time of profound transformation for the sector.
In line with European goals for sustainability, regulatory simplification, and innovation, the event brought together key players in the detergents industry to review the major upcoming changes. From regulatory updates to the rise of biotech-based products, and increasing demands around labeling and biodegradability—here’s a look back at the congress highlights.
1. Regulatory overview: an avalanche of revisions underway
The first part of the congress provided a comprehensive overview of current regulatory developments, with several European texts under review or recently adopted:
- AGEC Law (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy): Environmental Quality and Characteristics (QCE) sheets are becoming essential. Reuse targets have been revised and new EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) channels have been created, notably for single-use sanitary textiles (TSSU) and professional packaging.
- Revision of the Detergents regulation: Expected by the end of 2025, with application during 2027-2028. Changes include new definitions, the integration of micro-organism-based detergents, the introduction of the Product Passport, and a stronger alignment of marketing requirements.
- CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging): The revision adopted at the end of 2024 introduces new hazard classes (such as very persistent and very mobile substances), digital or leaflet labelling rules, and a stricter rules on advertising and distance selling. Implementation is scheduled between 2027 and 2028.
- PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation): Publication is expected in 2025, introducing new requirements for reduction, reuse, recycling, collection, and treatment of packaging waste—further increasing pressure on producers.
- Green Claims Directive: Still under trilogue negotiations, this directive will require scientific evidence for any environmental claim on packaging. This regulation aims to limit greenwashing.
- Zero Deforestation Regulation: due to come into force in late 2025/early 2026, this will impose a due diligence system and an annual report, impacting the supply chain for ingredients derived from agricultural raw materials.
2. Focus on two regulatory pillars: CLP and the Detergents Regulation
CLP: practical implications for manufacturers
The entry into force of the revised CLP Regulation raises many practical questions. Manufacturers are questioning about:
- The formats to be adopted for the new labels (font size, line spacing, management of special cases),
- The applicability of the new formats to certain product categories,
- New rules governing advertising, particularly digital formats.
A consensus emerged on the complexity of this reform, which will require clear interpretation guidelines and realistic transitional periods.
Detergents regulation: towards greater transparency
The future detergent regulation will introduce the Product Passport, a digital document centralizing all regulatory information on a product. This passport will replace the declaration of conformity and should be accessible to all. In addition, the revised text should facilitate the work of authorities and manufacturers by further harmonizing marketing requirements.
3. Issues related to environmental claims
Environmental claims are at the heart of the European Green Deal. The congress highlighted the following challenges:
- A ban on environmental claims for products containing hazardous substances,
- Mandatory pre-approval of environmental claims,
- Standardized methodology for justifying claims (such as “biodegradable”, “carbon neutral”, etc.),
Although ambitious, these regulations raise a number of concerns: the complexity of the texts, possible contradictions between regulations, administrative burdens, and differences in interpretation between member states. The French guide issued by the CNC (Conseil National de la Consommation) will help you anticipate the rules that this new regulation will impose.
4. 1,4-Dioxane: a problematic substance
The congress focused on 1,4-Dioxane, a carcinogenic substance (H350) and considered Persistent, Mobile and Toxic (PMT). Present in trace amounts in many polyoxyethylene surfactants, its restriction is being promoted by Germany and is currently being assessed at European level. Socio-economic impact studies reveal the difficulty of proposing cost-effective alternatives. This subject perfectly illustrates the dilemma between protecting human health and industrial feasibility.
5. Microorganisms in detergents: innovation and management
The integration of microorganisms in detergents is a fast-growing trend. However, this innovation raises a number of issues:
- Need for clear identification of strains,
- Complete safety dossier (toxicology, user exposure),
- Framework for specific claims,
- Unresolved regulatory issues, particularly for use on surfaces in contact with food.
In the absence of a harmonized European framework, players often rely on the requirements of other countries (e.g. Canada), which impose specific risk assessments and notifications.
6. Biodegradability: towards a broader requirement
Biodegradability remains a regulatory requirement for detergents. Current developments could include:
- Applying this requirement to all substances and mixtures,
- The inclusion of capsules in the assessment,
- Removal of the requirement to use approved laboratories.
The aim of these changes is to provide a better framework for the overall environmental impact of detergents, without putting the brakes on innovation.
7. Packaging and EPR: new obligations on the horizon
Two new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes have come into force:
- TSUU (Single-Use Sanitary Textiles): all wipes, whether dry, wet, plastic or not, intended for private or professional use, have been concerned since December 2024.
- Professional packaging EPR: concerns all packaging outside the scope of household or other existing channels.
The objectives of these EPR schemes are to reduce waste, improve waste treatment and raise consumer awareness of eco-design.
Conclusion: between regulatory complexity and innovation dynamics
The Detergent 2025 conference highlighted the intensity of the current moment for the industry. While the European Union is multiplying initiatives to encourage sustainable products, it is also imposing an increasingly heavy and complex regulatory burden on manufacturers.
For professionals in the detergents sector, the challenge is twofold: to remain compliant with constantly evolving legislation, while continuing to innovate in the face of societal expectations in terms of safety, health and the environment.
The congress provided an opportunity to exchange best practices, share feedback and, above all, to reiterate the need for ongoing dialogue between regulators and manufacturers, so that together we can build the detergents of tomorrow.
Contact our experts free of charge for more information.
The Detergent Congress 2025 took place at a time of profound transformation for the sector.
In line with European goals for sustainability, regulatory simplification, and innovation, the event brought together key players in the detergents industry to review the major upcoming changes. From regulatory updates to the rise of biotech-based products, and increasing demands around labeling and biodegradability—here’s a look back at the congress highlights.
1. Regulatory overview: an avalanche of revisions underway
The first part of the congress provided a comprehensive overview of current regulatory developments, with several European texts under review or recently adopted:
- AGEC Law (Anti-Waste for a Circular Economy): Environmental Quality and Characteristics (QCE) sheets are becoming essential. Reuse targets have been revised and new EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) channels have been created, notably for single-use sanitary textiles (TSSU) and professional packaging.
- Revision of the Detergents regulation: Expected by the end of 2025, with application during 2027-2028. Changes include new definitions, the integration of micro-organism-based detergents, the introduction of the Product Passport, and a stronger alignment of marketing requirements.
- CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging): The revision adopted at the end of 2024 introduces new hazard classes (such as very persistent and very mobile substances), digital or leaflet labelling rules, and a stricter rules on advertising and distance selling. Implementation is scheduled between 2027 and 2028.
- PPWR (Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation): Publication is expected in 2025, introducing new requirements for reduction, reuse, recycling, collection, and treatment of packaging waste—further increasing pressure on producers.
- Green Claims Directive: Still under trilogue negotiations, this directive will require scientific evidence for any environmental claim on packaging. This regulation aims to limit greenwashing.
- Zero Deforestation Regulation: due to come into force in late 2025/early 2026, this will impose a due diligence system and an annual report, impacting the supply chain for ingredients derived from agricultural raw materials.
2. Focus on two regulatory pillars: CLP and the Detergents Regulation
CLP: practical implications for manufacturers
The entry into force of the revised CLP Regulation raises many practical questions. Manufacturers are questioning about:
- The formats to be adopted for the new labels (font size, line spacing, management of special cases),
- The applicability of the new formats to certain product categories,
- New rules governing advertising, particularly digital formats.
A consensus emerged on the complexity of this reform, which will require clear interpretation guidelines and realistic transitional periods.
Detergents regulation: towards greater transparency
The future detergent regulation will introduce the Product Passport, a digital document centralizing all regulatory information on a product. This passport will replace the declaration of conformity and should be accessible to all. In addition, the revised text should facilitate the work of authorities and manufacturers by further harmonizing marketing requirements.
3. Issues related to environmental claims
Environmental claims are at the heart of the European Green Deal. The congress highlighted the following challenges:
- A ban on environmental claims for products containing hazardous substances,
- Mandatory pre-approval of environmental claims,
- Standardized methodology for justifying claims (such as “biodegradable”, “carbon neutral”, etc.),
Although ambitious, these regulations raise a number of concerns: the complexity of the texts, possible contradictions between regulations, administrative burdens, and differences in interpretation between member states. The French guide issued by the CNC (Conseil National de la Consommation) will help you anticipate the rules that this new regulation will impose.
4. 1,4-Dioxane: a problematic substance
The congress focused on 1,4-Dioxane, a carcinogenic substance (H350) and considered Persistent, Mobile and Toxic (PMT). Present in trace amounts in many polyoxyethylene surfactants, its restriction is being promoted by Germany and is currently being assessed at European level. Socio-economic impact studies reveal the difficulty of proposing cost-effective alternatives. This subject perfectly illustrates the dilemma between protecting human health and industrial feasibility.
5. Microorganisms in detergents: innovation and management
The integration of microorganisms in detergents is a fast-growing trend. However, this innovation raises a number of issues:
- Need for clear identification of strains,
- Complete safety dossier (toxicology, user exposure),
- Framework for specific claims,
- Unresolved regulatory issues, particularly for use on surfaces in contact with food.
In the absence of a harmonized European framework, players often rely on the requirements of other countries (e.g. Canada), which impose specific risk assessments and notifications.
6. Biodegradability: towards a broader requirement
Biodegradability remains a regulatory requirement for detergents. Current developments could include:
- Applying this requirement to all substances and mixtures,
- The inclusion of capsules in the assessment,
- Removal of the requirement to use approved laboratories.
The aim of these changes is to provide a better framework for the overall environmental impact of detergents, without putting the brakes on innovation.
7. Packaging and EPR: new obligations on the horizon
Two new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes have come into force:
- TSUU (Single-Use Sanitary Textiles): all wipes, whether dry, wet, plastic or not, intended for private or professional use, have been concerned since December 2024.
- Professional packaging EPR: concerns all packaging outside the scope of household or other existing channels.
The objectives of these EPR schemes are to reduce waste, improve waste treatment and raise consumer awareness of eco-design.
Conclusion: between regulatory complexity and innovation dynamics
The Detergent 2025 conference highlighted the intensity of the current moment for the industry. While the European Union is multiplying initiatives to encourage sustainable products, it is also imposing an increasingly heavy and complex regulatory burden on manufacturers.
For professionals in the detergents sector, the challenge is twofold: to remain compliant with constantly evolving legislation, while continuing to innovate in the face of societal expectations in terms of safety, health and the environment.
The congress provided an opportunity to exchange best practices, share feedback and, above all, to reiterate the need for ongoing dialogue between regulators and manufacturers, so that together we can build the detergents of tomorrow.
Contact our experts free of charge for more information.
