Home Care
Important topics in the area of Home Care
Detergents regulation
In April 2023, the European Commission published its proposal for a new regulation on detergents and surfactants. This would impose very labour-intensive, additional requirements on detergent manufacturers without the costs and benefits having been assessed. The European Commission has contrasted this major additional effort with welcome simplifications, but these are negligible in terms of reducing the workload.
The first reading in the European Parliament (EP) was completed in February 2024. The deliberations of the Member States of the European Union (‘Council’) are ongoing. Learn more
"The revised regulation, as adopted by Parliament, is an important milestone on the road to more sustainable detergents! It not only protects the environment and consumers, but also gives manufacturers a level playing field to better promote sustainability.In addition, overlaps with other legislation have been eliminated."
Manuela Ripa, MEP
Quality assessment
IKW recommendations for quality assessment (EQ) serve to test the performance of washing, care and cleaning agents in a practical, reproducible and differentiable manner. The EQs are developed jointly by manufacturers of these products, manufacturers of ingredients, testing institutes and, in some cases, manufacturers of the surfaces to be cleaned. The EQs are available both in the original German-language version and in English translation. The work on the EQ for paint care products for motor vehicles has been completed. IKW working groups are currently updating the EQ for hand dishwashing detergents and working on the EQ for laundry detergents. Learn more
- 18 IKW publicationsThere are a total of 15 recommendations for quality assessment for different product groups and three IKW recommendations on material compatibility.
An IKW working group is currently developing new EQs for heavy-duty / all-purpose detergents, colour / coloured detergents and mild detergents that take current consumer needs and behaviour into account.
FORUM WASCHEN
The dialogue platform FORUM WASCHEN was initiated by IKW in 2001.
Experts from public authorities, federal ministries, research institutions, a trade union, manufacturers of WPR products and household appliances, universities, environmental organisations and consumer and industry associations in Germany work together in the FORUM WASCHEN.
The aim of the dialogue platform is to positively change consumer behaviour in the direction of sustainable action in connection with washing, dishwashing and cleaning in the home. Learn more
- 35 ActorsThe social groups involved represent all three aspects of sustainability (social, ecological and economic).
- Multiple awardsFrom UNESCO and the German Council for Sustainable Development
"With its reports, Stiftung Warentest informs the public about environmentally conscious behaviour and sustainability in washing, dishwashing and cleaning.Collaboration in the FORUM WASCHEN is important here in order to familiarise ourselves with a wide variety of perspectives and to be able to reach different target groups with this valuable knowledge."
Sara Wagner-Leifhilm, Stiftung Warentest