What makes a detergent sustainable — and why should you care?
As the textile services industry continues to adopt more sustainable practices, detergents are coming under the spotlight. Customer feedback from Europe and Asia shows that eco-friendly detergents are among the top expectations for our future sustainability efforts. We sat down with Erika Szász, our Head of Operational Excellence, to discuss what makes a detergent sustainable.
What makes a washing detergent sustainable?
A sustainable detergent is one that considers the full impact on people and the environment. This means using biodegradable, phosphate-free ingredients and avoiding harmful substances like optical brighteners. It also means packaging responsibly and ensuring that what goes down the drain doesn’t come back to harm ecosystems.
But sustainability also extends to people. Detergents that are gentle on skin and reduce exposure to harsh chemicals directly support the wellbeing of those handling and using textiles daily – from laundry workers to end users.
A sustainable detergent is one that considers the full impact on people and the environment.
What kind of chemicals should be avoided in washing detergents?
Detergents should not contain phosphates or harsh additives like optical brighteners.
Phosphates were once common for softening water and boosting cleaning performance, but they pose serious environmental risks. When released into waterways, they cause eutrophication, fuelling algae blooms that deplete oxygen and destroy aquatic life. Today, many countries — particularly in Europe — have restricted their use.
Optical brighteners are synthetic chemicals that do not break down easily in nature and can accumulate in aquatic environments, harming organisms. They may also cause allergic reactions or skin irritation.
What kind of detergents do we use in our laundry process?
When I joined Lindström 27 years ago, I was proud to see that we were already among the forerunners in this field. We paid close attention to the chemicals we use. Unlike many other operators at the time, we did not rely on optical brighteners. Instead, our focus was on hygiene, as well as the impact of detergents on both people and the environment.
When selecting detergents, we prioritise environmentally friendly, biodegradable ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals. All our detergents are 100% phosphate-free. As a result, our washing process is less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.
That said, to meet specific customer requirements for whiteness, we have had to use optical brighteners in two of our laundries. At present, this is the only way to achieve the results demanded. However, we are actively researching alternative solutions that would allow us to eliminate optical brighteners without compromising the required quality standards. At the same time, we openly communicate the downsides of these requirements to help increase understanding among our customers.
Many equate cleanliness with white, bright textiles. Is that still a valid standard?
Not really — and this is a crucial point. Optical brighteners make textiles look cleaner by absorbing ultraviolet (UV ) light and reemitting it as visible blue light, creating an illusion of whiteness. But that doesn’t guarantee hygiene. This effect tricks the eye into perceiving the fabric as more vibrantly white, even though the brighteners do not actually clean the fabric or remove stains. Clean-looking textiles may still carry pathogens or chemical residues. These may cause allergic reactions.
True hygiene means removing microorganisms and harmful substances through a validated, controlled process, such as those based on EN15064 and the RABC methodology. This means textiles are genuinely safe for use, actively supporting public health and reducing the risk of infections or irritation. This is especially true in industries like healthcare and the food industry, where safety and hygiene should be a priority instead of appearance.
Optical brighteners make textiles look cleaner by absorbing ultraviolet (UV ) light and reemitting it as visible blue light, creating an illusion of whiteness. But that doesn’t guarantee hygiene.
What external factors are influencing the shift toward more sustainable detergents?
There are two major external drivers: consumer expectations and regulatory change.
Today’s customers — both end-users and B2B clients — are increasingly aware of the environmental and health impacts of everyday products. There’s a growing demand for environmentally and people-friendly solutions that reflect a commitment to long-term well-being and sustainability.
Meanwhile, legislation across Europe is becoming stricter. Restrictions on phosphates, microplastics, and other harmful chemicals are becoming more widespread. Companies that adopt sustainable detergents early are better prepared for compliance and avoid future legal risks.
This shift is also part of a broader cultural transformation towards sustainability. As awareness grows, so does the responsibility to educate and lead by example. At Lindström, we align our operations with customer values, regulatory expectations, and a genuine responsibility toward people and the planet.
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