To demonstrate how the environmental profiles of laundry detergents have changed over the last 15 years, three P&G detergents were compared: traditional powder, compact and super compact.
Specifically, the brands chosen were Ariel Regular (launched in 1988), Ariel Ultra (launched 1992) and Ariel Futur (1998). Two different methods, called environmental risk assessment and lifecycle assessment were then used to see how environmental performance had improved.
Lifecycle assessment looks at the product from its beginning, as raw materials from a supplier, to the end of its life when it is disposed of after use.
Clear improvements in the environmental profile were seen after the introduction of compact detergents in 1992 and the super compacts in 1998. When compared to the big-box powders of 1988, the findings were:
- A 50 per cent decrease in the burden on the environment.
- More efficient chemistry in super compacts meant less detergent per wash and an ability to wash at lower temperatures.
- Compaction and lower wash temperatures equated to less carbon dioxide and a reduction in solid waste.
The research was carried out in two countries, Sweden and the Netherlands, and it was found that the total energy use between big-box powders and the super-compacts of 10 years later had declined by between 20 and 30 percent, mostly because of the suitability for lowering the wash temperatures without a compromise in washing performance.
There was also a clear reduction in carbon dioxide emissions in both countries, again largely as a result of users being able to wash at lower temperatures.
In addition, levels of solid waste from the manufacturing process went down by 34 per cent in the Netherlands and 50 per cent in Sweden.
Turning to the environmental risk assessment, this again showed a positive trend. Environmental risk assessments look at the probability that an adverse effect will occur in the environment after exposure to an ingredient.
Data clearly shows an overall improvement after the development of compacts and super compacts. The calculated 'product scores' decrease over the 10-year period by 60 per cent in the Netherlands and almost 40 per cent in Sweden.