Surfactants used in detergents must meet certain biodegradability criteria in accordance with the legislation.
Requirements; includes the ultimate aerobic biodegradability of the surfactant and the required test results. In addition, there are content data forms, labeling and notification obligations when necessary.
Unsuitable formulations cannot be placed on the market. ONAY Mühendislik manages the regulatory compliance and biodegradability documentation of detergent formulations.
Scope of Biodegradability Requirement
Detergent legislation requires that surfactants used in the product meet the ultimate aerobic biodegradability criterion. This requirement is independent of the type of surfactant; Anionic, cationic, nonionic and amphoteric surfactants are all included. If the criterion is not met, it is not possible to place the product on the market.
Providing Test Data
Biodegradability data is usually obtained from the surfactant manufacturer. The document that must be requested is a report that refers to the standard test method and gives the result numerically. A statement that merely states that it is suitable may not be considered sufficient in the audit. The name of the test method, its duration and the percentage degradation achieved should be clearly stated in the document.
Component Data Sheet and Information Presentation
Detergent manufacturers are obliged to prepare a data sheet containing the components of the product and provide it to healthcare personnel upon request. Additionally, consumer-facing component information must be accessible. Updating this information set during formulation changes is often neglected and recorded as a deficiency in the audit.
Relation to Labeling
On the detergent label, ingredient groups are stated in certain concentration ranges, and preservatives and allergenic fragrances are stated as names. This information must be consistent with the composition section in the safety data sheet. If the product is also classified in terms of hazard, label elements within the scope of the SEA Regulation are also added.
Control on Formulation Change
A change in surfactant supplier may mean a different composition under the same trade name. Therefore, with every supplier change, a new biodegradability certificate should be requested and the component data sheet should be updated. Treating a supplier change simply as a purchasing decision without technical verification is the most common source of nonconformance.
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Official full text of the regulation: KKDIK Regulation - Official Gazette.