Discrepancies Between Type II Eco-Labels and Actual Environmental Impacts of Laundry Detergents in the Discharge Stage

Abstract

This study investigates the discrepancies between discharge-stage environmental claims of Type II eco-labels on laundry detergents and their actual impacts in aquatic environments. Laundry detergents are essential household products, and their growing global consumption highlights the importance of evaluating environmental risks associated with their use. In recent years, the market share of eco-labeled detergents has expanded significantly, with Type II labels—based on enterprise self-declaration without third-party certification—particularly favored by small and medium-sized enterprises due to their low cost and simplified approval procedures. To address this issue, 50 Type II-labeled detergents were analyzed to identify core discharge-stage claims and evaluation criteria, followed by case studies of representative products to assess actual impacts on water bodies, aquatic organisms, and ecosystems. The results reveal a clear divergence between label claims and real environmental performance. Many products claimed high biodegradability, low aquatic toxicity, or the use of eco-friendly ingredients, but these claims were often supported only by laboratory test results conducted under idealized conditions rather than by evidence from real discharge scenarios. Case studies confirmed that certain ingredients exhibited low biodegradation rates in natural waters or caused significant aquatic toxicity, contradicting advertised environmental benefits. The underlying causes of these discrepancies include limitations of current label standards, selective disclosure strategies by enterprises, and mismatches between laboratory tests and real-world environmental conditions. This study provides empirical evidence to support more rigorous evaluation of Type II labels, offering guidance for consumers to identify misleading environmental claims and recommendations for regulators to strengthen standards and require disclosure of discharge-stage impacts, thereby encouraging enterprises to assume genuine environmental responsibility.