Case Study on Life Cycle Assessment 2 -
Ariel Laundry Detergents Are Put to the Test
In the nineties we saw big differences between regular washing powders and the newly introduced compact detergents 
see Case Study 1). We showed that emissions associated with the use of compact detergents were lower than with the classical "big box" detergents. Today, unit-dose systems (tablets and liquid pouches) are available and make our busy lives easier, but are there also environmental benefits to using these detergents?
see Case Study 1). We showed that emissions associated with the use of compact detergents were lower than with the classical "big box" detergents. Today, unit-dose systems (tablets and liquid pouches) are available and make our busy lives easier, but are there also environmental benefits to using these detergents?
In an effort to continue our research into the environmental impact of today's detergents, we conducted a study on different types of Ariel detergents on the U.K. market in 2001. These detergents included Ariel regular powders, Ariel compact powders, Ariel compact tablets, Ariel compact liquids and Ariel liquid unit dose systems.
Ariel Compact Detergents Have the Lowest Potential Impact
We found that among the five forms of P&G detergents analysed, and from a Life Cycle Assessment approach, the Ariel compact powder and Ariel compact liquid detergents have the lowest potential environmental impact.
Next lowest is Ariel regular powder. Thanks to technical innovations, today's regular powder detergents have less of an impact on the environment than traditional powders from 1988. For example, if we look at the aquatic toxicity impact category, we see a clear decrease in impact from today's regular powders compared to the regular powders of 1988.
Ariel tablets and Ariel unit doses have a more varied profile, with a lower impact on some categories and higher on others (see left table). They are, however, quick and easy to use, as their pre-measured packaging means that you can never use too much or too little detergent when you wash. Using the tablets and sachets can provide better control over the amount used, and this can cause a dramatic decrease in the total quantity of chemicals released in the environment.
Next lowest is Ariel regular powder. Thanks to technical innovations, today's regular powder detergents have less of an impact on the environment than traditional powders from 1988. For example, if we look at the aquatic toxicity impact category, we see a clear decrease in impact from today's regular powders compared to the regular powders of 1988.
Ariel tablets and Ariel unit doses have a more varied profile, with a lower impact on some categories and higher on others (see left table). They are, however, quick and easy to use, as their pre-measured packaging means that you can never use too much or too little detergent when you wash. Using the tablets and sachets can provide better control over the amount used, and this can cause a dramatic decrease in the total quantity of chemicals released in the environment.
Download and read the full story as PDF-document:
Read the peer review scientific article from which the PDF documents were created:
G. Van Hoof, D. Schowanek, TCJ Feijtel (2003). Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of laundry detergent formulations in the UK.
G. Van Hoof, D. Schowanek, TCJ Feijtel, G. Boeije, PH Masscheleyn. (2003) Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of laundry detergent formulations in the UK