Sustainability
Responsibility trough proximity
Voluntary commitments, significant resource savings, continuous reduction in the quantities of ingredients used, initiatives to reduce and optimise packaging materials, initiatives for water protection and biodiversity, studies to determine environmental influences, consumer education – the spectrum of industry commitment to sustainability is broad – and also ‘old’. The study ‘Sustainability in the German detergent industry’ published in 2002, for example, was the starting point for the dialogue platform FORUM WASCHEN, in which 39 institutions are now involved.
You can find two examples of successful sustainability initiatives in the industry right here, and an overview of all activities via a link below (in German only).
Commit for our Planet
‘Commit for Our Planet’, a sustainability initiative by Cosmetics Europe, the European association of cosmetics manufacturers, is aimed at the entire European cosmetics industry.
Results of the progress report
- Climate, packaging and natureAlmost 70 per cent of respondents committed to all three areas: climate, packaging, and nature.
- Climate and packaging goalsOver 85 per cent of respondents have committed to both climate and packaging targets.
- Climate goalsTwenty-seven of the 20 respondents to the survey have committed to at least one climate goal.
First progress report
Since the launch of Commit for Our Planet 2022, 36 companies in Germany and Europe have already signed up as partners of the sustainability initiative with a large number of projects. IKW has been involved since the beginning and supports companies on their path to greater sustainability. The first progress report shows the companies' high level of commitment.
Sustainable washing and cleaning
The sustainability initiative of the European laundry, home care and cleaning products industry ‘Sustainable washing and cleaning’ (‘Charter 2020+’) has achieved the following results:
Successes of the initiative:
- Seal clarityThe product-related seal of the initiative is recommended as a ‘very good choice’ by the German government's ‘Seal Clarity’ project.
- 45 per cent less energy consumption45 per cent less energy consumption per ton of detergent and cleaning agent produced since the initiative was launched in 2006.
- 46 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions46 per cent less carbon dioxide emissions per ton of detergent and cleaning agent produced.
About the initiative
By 2023, 15.7 billion products with the product seal have been sold since its introduction in 2011. The initiative was founded in 2005 by the International Association of Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A.I.S.E., Brussels). The initiative aims to ensure that participating companies throughout the supply chain continuously operate more sustainably.
At the 17th German Sustainability Award (DNP), which took place in Düsseldorf on November 28 and 29, 2024, 100 juries selected the pioneers in their respective industries. Each jury consists of approximately four experts from industry, civil society, consulting, and research. Last year, Thomas Keiser, Director General of IKW, had the honor of serving on the cosmetics, detergents, and cleaning products jury. The DNP has announced a number of further developments for 2025.