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There is no risk to humans or the environment from the use of the phosphonate DTPMP, which is used as an ingredient in some laundry detergents. [1] DTPMP appears in wastewater treatment plants only in very low concentrations. Under realistic conditions, no significant amount of glyphosate is formed. A calculation by the IKW using conservative assumptions also shows that DTPMP from detergents cannot be responsible for the trace amounts currently reported in the media.

In January 2026, a German language broadcast by the Bayerischer Rundfunk[2] reported on results from the research group led by Professor Dr. Carolin Huhn at the University of Tübingen. Professor Dr. Huhns group assumes that wastewater treatment plants could form the herbicide glyphosate from phosphonates such as diethylenetriamine penta-(methylene phosphonic acid) (“DTPMP”), which are ingredients in certain detergents. According to the group's estimates, the Erlangen wastewater treatment plant discharges 28 grams of glyphosate per day into the Regnitz River. Professor Huhn attributes this amount exclusively to detergents.

The IKW has compared this number with the quantities of DTPMP placed on the German homecare market each year by its member companies via detergents. Under conservative assumptions, the calculation shows that the Erlangen plant could theoretically generate 4 grams of glyphosate per day from DTPMP (see appendix). This represents only a small fraction (about 14 percent) of the 28 grams per day determined by Professor Huhn and attributed exclusively to detergents. For the IKW, this raises the question as to the origin of the remaining glyphosate hat accounts for the majority of 28 grams per day determined by Professor Huhn.

Professor Dr. Marion Martienssen of Brandenburg University of Technology Cottbus-Senftenberg has been conducting research on the degradation of phosphonates in the environment for several years. She has found no evidence that significant amounts of glyphosate can be formed from DTPMP in wastewater treatment plants.

It is also important to note that surface waters in the EU and the USA have been monitored for decades, also for glyphosate concentrations. The results show that glyphosate concentrations are not increasing and that there are no environmental concerns, as the measured values lie far below the threshold for possible negative effects on the environment.After a thorough review of the scientific findings, the IKW concludes that the formation of glyphosate from DTPMP is negligible. We are committed to transparency and ongoing dialogue to address concerns and will continue to monitor developments in this field.

Background information on phosphonates such as DTPMP:

Phosphonates are used in laundry detergents and cleaning products as stabilizers for enzymes and bleaching agents as well as water softeners. They contribute to improved cleaning performance and stain removal even at low temperatures. In 2024, less than 710 tonnes of DTPMP were used by IKW member companies.
 

Appendix: Calculation of the maximum amount of glyphosate that could form in the Erlangen wastewater treatment plant under conservative assumptions

In 2024, IKW member companies used approximately 710 tonnes of DTPMP in detergents placed on the German market. Of this, about 1.17 tonnes per year or 3.2 kilograms per day apply to the catchment area of the Erlangen wastewater treatment plant. According to a publication[1] co-authored by Professor Huhn, 4 grams of glyphosate per day could form under optimized laboratory conditions.

According to the German Broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk, Professor Huhn assumes that 28 grams of glyphosate enter the Regnitz River daily. This value is seven times higher than the amounts of glyphosate theoretically calculated by IKW.

Thist statement can be downloaded as a PDF file.

As of 12 February 2026