Environmental and Climate literacy is the focus of this year’s Earth Day, an event observed globally on April 22nd which calls for individuals to demonstrate support and inspire action for environmental protection. Increased knowledge and awareness play a key role in accelerating the use of green technologies in all industries. As consumers, we hold the purchasing power to drive innovation in a more ethical direction and this is of vital importance within staple product categories for the present and future. It is time to put your money where your mouth is and opt for more ecological alternatives where possible.
There is a long standing assumption that environmentally friendly cleaning products are somehow less efficient options, incapable of providing the same reliable end results. When trying to meet industry hygiene standards and impress guests it is understandable that many operators have opted away from investing in such products. It is easy to be sceptical about certain green claims in an age where labels such as ‘natural’ and ‘eco-friendly’ are thrown around to appeal to customers and enhance brand image without clarification of credentials. It is crucial to consider the science behind the marketing to avoid being ‘Greenwashed’ on your quest for corporate social responsibility.
InnuScience are at the forefront of innovation, looking to shift this perception by developing highly effective eco-friendly products backed by more than two decades of planet conscious research. InnuScience products mobilise biotechnology to provide efficient cleaning solutions. Natures power has been harnessed through the use of microbes which efficiently clean and digest organics matter. These microbes provide the residual cleaning action in products, while the initial clean is predominantly undertaken by Fermentation Extracts and Green Surfactants. These fermentation extracts are produced by microbes and added into products to provide immediate cleaning action. The Green Surfactants act as wetting agents which also provide immediate cleaning action. InnuScience opts to only use bio surfactants that conform to a 99.99% ultimate biodegradability over 28 days according to OECD test 301.
Certified by Ecolabel or Ecologo as environmentally responsible and cruelty free by Leaping Bunny, these chemicals are not only better for the environment but also for the user’s health.
The Leaping Bunny continues to be the most trusted cruelty free certification for non-animal tested products. Products displaying this logo are affiliated with CCIC and BUAV (Cruelty-Free International), reputable cruelty free organisations. The logo represents a voluntary pledge taken by chemical production companies to clear animal testing from all stages of product development. The company’s ingredient suppliers make the same pledge to ensure a product guaranteed to be free from new animal testing. Leaping Bunny note that ‘virtually every ingredient, even water, has been tested on animals in the past’ and affirm that their program focuses on preventing future animal testing and eventually drive animal testing out of the industry. These commitments are renewed on an annual basis, and companies must remain open to independent audits.
The EU Ecolabel is recognised across Europe. The criteria for this label have been developed in line with ISO standard 14024. The set of compliance criteria take into consideration the whole product life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, packaging and transport, use and disposal. This approach strives to ensure that a product’s overall environmental impact is significantly less than similar products on the market.
The last decade has seen a drive towards sustainable products across all industries, and while cleaning and hygiene have been slower on the uptake, with a marketplace of efficient and affordable options there is no excuse for neglecting sustainability in your decision-making process. With the ever increasing knowledge of the devastating impact chemicals are having on the world’s ecosystem, the importance and demand for environmentally friendly cleaning products will only escalate further.