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  3. Resource-efficient cleaning services sweep the way for the green transition

Resource-efficient cleaning services sweep the way for the green transition

A new review shows that companies offering Nordic Swan Ecolabelled cleaning services have, on average, reduced their use of cleaning chemicals by 39%. Optimising cleaning processes and using resources efficiently is an important contribution to the green transition of society. Now, the Nordic Swan Ecolabel is launching new, stricter criteria for cleaning services, further driving development forward.

Using resources efficiently is crucial – new statistics show that Nordic Swan Ecolabelled cleaning services have reduced chemical use by 39%.

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s requirements are continuously tightened, ensuring that only the most environmentally responsible cleaning services on the market meet the criteria. Developed from a life cycle perspective, these criteria focus on reducing resource use, including cleaning chemicals, energy, and water, which also leads to lower climate impact. They also promote an increased use of ecolabelled products and services.

– By using Nordic Swan Ecolabelled cleaning services, purchasers contribute to reducing environmental impact. Our review shows that the use of cleaning chemicals has decreased by 39%. The urgency of reaching environmental and climate goals is increasing, and we encourage decision-makers to set environmental requirements and reward companies that drive progress, says Amanda Persson, product specialist for cleaning services at Ecolabelling Sweden.
– We also hope that many companies will continue to certify their cleaning services with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. The more companies that do so, the greater the environmental benefit. When businesses lead the way, it pushes the entire industry to raise its ambitions, says Amanda Persson.

Three examples of new, stricter requirements

The updated criteria set even higher demands on reducing cleaning chemical use and ensuring that products meet strict environmental standards to minimise impact on both health and the environment. Here are three examples:

  • A smaller amount of cleaning chemicals must clean a larger surface area.
  • A higher percentage of ecolabelled cleaning chemicals is required, with the threshold increasing from 80% to 90%. For non-ecolabelled cleaning chemicals, substances with potential endocrine-disrupting properties, such as PFAS and phthalates, as well as microplastics, are banned.
  • 100% of all household and toilet paper used must be ecolabelled.

Supporting CSRD reporting

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s cleaning service criteria also facilitate corporate sustainability reporting in line with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). By 2025, companies must report sustainability data for 2024. Meeting the Nordic Swan Ecolabel’s cleaning service criteria simplifies CSRD reporting, helping companies avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts.

– A heavier administrative burden provides no additional benefit for people or the environment, says Amanda Persson.

Facts about Nordic Swan Ecolabelled cleaning services:

  • Regulates the use of chemicals and minimises chemical consumption to reduce impact on health and the environment.
  • Uses a high proportion of ecolabelled cleaning chemicals.
  • Minimises environmental impact from transportation.
  • Ensures that employees have the right training in both environmental issues and cleaning methods.
  • Implements a quality management system to guarantee high cleaning standards.

Learn more:

Cleaning services 076

There are 47 Nordic Swan Ecolabelled services from 32 companies in this product group in Sweden.

About the review of cleaning services and cleaning chemicals:

We have aggregated the total use of cleaning chemicals, measured in microlitres per square metre (µl/m²), from 11 Nordic Swan Ecolabelled cleaning companies in 2017. This result has been compared with the total use of cleaning chemicals in 2022. Result: The use of cleaning chemicals has decreased by an average of 39%.

Facts about CSRD

The EU has strenghtened sustainability reporting requirements to achieve the goal of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) introduces extensive reporting obligations for large companies and their suppliers.

For more information