Feminine care items, diapers, and other absorbent products seeking the European Union’s Ecolabel must now meet tougher standards. To widen the gap with ordinary products that lack this certification, manufacturers are pushed to reduce the amount of chemicals present in these items.
The European Commission introduced stricter criteria aimed at lowering toxic substances in absorbent hygiene products to earn the EU Ecolabel. The updated requirements ban a broad range of chemicals.
This applies to pads, tampons, and menstrual cups, as well as baby diapers and similar products bearing the label. They must contain fewer toxins than before, making the distinction from non-labeled products even more evident.
Advocates note improvements in the standard, with more substances classified as excluded or restricted hazardous materials. The list of substances of concern has grown substantially, according to observers within sustainable consumption circles.
The final products and their components should not contain substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction, nor endocrine disruptors, nor chemicals that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic to humans or the environment.
It is noted that none of the products or their ingredients should be classified as extremely concerning under the SVHC framework, and the European Chemical Agency has not approved any such substances there. About 300 toxic compounds are currently listed officially as concerns.
The final product and its components must avoid carcinogens, mutagens, and reproductive toxins.
Specific substances to avoid are highlighted, such as certain preservatives, harmful plastic additives, and other chemicals used in polymers, as well as antibacterial agents, formaldehyde and releasers, certain fragrance compounds, organotin catalysts, silicone-related substances, parabens, and phthalates.
The restriction of odors and foreign substances
A further element of the new regulation limits fragrances, skin-contact lotions, inks, and paints, along with adhesives and the residual monomers in superabsorbent polymers.
Additionally, impurities are controlled to remain below specified concentrations in the final product, including items like formaldehyde, dioxins, furans, PCBs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols such as bisphenol A or nonylphenol, phthalates, pesticides, organotin compounds, and various heavy metals.
The aim is to reduce exposure from all stages of production to final use, supporting a safer consumer experience in everyday products.
In January 2022, a coalition of environmental health organizations urged the European Commission to enact EU-wide restrictions on the presence of several toxic substances in disposable diapers in line with REACH regulations.
Beyond toxicity, the ecolabel criteria emphasize broader environmental performance, covering life cycle aspects from sustainable raw materials to packaging and emissions, and encouraging waste reduction across the product’s life span.
The EU ecolabel represents a sustainability certification for non-food products and services, spanning cosmetics, paper goods, detergents, textiles, furniture, electronics, and hospitality services, among others.
Satisfaction with Spain
A Spanish advocate for Toxic-Free Home, an initiative connected with the European Environmental Bureau, applauds the decision because it also covers products that come into contact with the skin. The concern is the potential for mucous membranes and prolonged contact to cause issues.
Exposure to these substances is a matter of concern, not only for local irritation or allergies but also because contaminants can enter the bloodstream and spread through the body, raising the risk of various health problems associated with these substances.
Experts underline that offering healthier alternatives for frequent-use products helps consumers reduce exposure to toxic substances. It is also noted that a transition period will allow products still bearing the older Ecolabel to remain available until the new criteria are fully implemented.
For more information, references are provided in the official EU circular economy release on the updated criteria for absorbent hygiene products and reusable menstrual cups (EU Commission publication, 2023). [Source attribution: EU Circular Economy Documentation, 2023].
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Note: This article references official regulatory materials for context and continued monitoring of policy development in the EU ecolabel program.