FAQs on sustainability and professional cleaning: all your questions answered!
Certainties Against Greenwashing
“Greenwashing” is a practice where some companies make misleading claims about the sustainability of their products to attract environmentally conscious consumers. To combat this misinformation, it is essential to educate customers and provide them with tools to identify truly sustainable products.
We have compiled the most frequently asked questions about sustainability in professional cleaning to help you make informed decisions. Discover how SUCITESA is committed to real and verifiable practices.
1. Are sustainable products more expensive?
Sustainable products do not necessarily have to be more expensive than conventional ones. Innovation and efficient design allow sustainable products to be offered at competitive prices. At SUCITESA, we have developed ranges like NATURSAFE, which combine quality, sustainability, and excellent value for money, helping to optimise resources and reduce costs.
2. What does it mean for a cleaning product to be biodegradable?
Biodegradability refers to a product’s ability to break down naturally into simpler, non-harmful substances.
Detergents, thanks to their surfactants (key components), play a crucial role in cleaning surfaces. However, once used, these products, along with the removed dirt, enter wastewater systems and eventually reach aquatic ecosystems. Nature has various mechanisms to decompose these substances, including physicochemical processes (oxidation and absorption) and biodegradation by microorganisms. A biodegradable product has a lower environmental impact as it integrates into the environment without leaving persistent or toxic residues.
3. Are all cleaning products biodegradable?
European Regulation (EC) 648/2004 sets the standards that detergents and surfactants must meet to ensure high environmental and human health protection.
Surfactants used in detergent formulas must have a final biodegradability rate of 60% within 28 days.
4. How can you distinguish a truly eco-friendly product from greenwashing?
Look for products with recognised certifications in professional hygiene, such as the ECOLABEL seal or manufacturers with an Environmental Management System certified under ISO 14001. This international standard demonstrates a company’s commitment to environmental protection and ensures a real dedication to quality and sustainability. At SUCITESA, our certifications support our transparent and sustainable practices, eliminating any doubt about the authenticity of our products.
5. What certifications guarantee the sustainability of cleaning products?
Certifications such as ECOLABEL and ISO 14001 are essential. These international accreditations confirm that products meet rigorous sustainability and quality criteria.
6. What are the benefits of concentrated cleaning systems?
From an environmental perspective, cleaning systems that use concentrated products offer multiple significant benefits:
- Greater customisation and versatility – Concentrated product systems allow users to adjust the concentration according to specific cleaning needs, optimising resources and improving results.
- Reduced plastic use – Concentrated products require fewer containers for the same amount of effective cleaning, significantly reducing plastic waste. Additionally, customers can continuously reuse the application bottle, as seen with our EASYMIX system, which reduces plastic usage by over 85%.
- Lower CO₂ emissions – Being more compact, concentrated products take up less space during transport, reducing emissions associated with logistics. This contributes to lowering global warming impact.
- Resource optimisation – By diluting products as needed, unnecessary waste of materials and chemicals is avoided, maximising performance per unit.
- Less waste generation – Concentrated product packaging generates less waste, as containers are reusable and easily recyclable, aligning with circular economy principles.
7. What does SUCITESA do to reduce its carbon footprint?
We focus on using concentrated products, recyclable single-component plastic packaging, and promoting reuse and recycling. Through optimised manufacturing processes, we reduce emissions. Our efficient production and innovative design minimise energy use and environmental impact.
8. What is eco-design, and how does SUCITESA apply it?
Eco-design incorporates environmental criteria from formulation to disposal. At SUCITESA, we use ingredients that comply with European regulations on surfactant biodegradability and environmental protection. We also develop reusable and recyclable packaging and systems that prevent product waste.
9. Why choose ECOLABEL-certified products?
Choosing ECOLABEL-certified products ensures sustainability, quality, and environmental responsibility. ECOLABEL is a recognised European certification that assesses a product’s entire life cycle, ensuring compliance with strict sustainability and efficiency criteria.
An ECOLABEL-certified product guarantees:
- Biodegradable formulas with low aquatic toxicity, preserving biodiversity.
- Minimal use of toxic substances, protecting users and the environment.
- Proven efficiency through independent laboratory tests.
For businesses, ECOLABEL-certified products help meet environmental regulations and gain eco-certifications like Green Key, boosting their sustainability reputation.
10. What benefits do vegan cleaning products offer?
Vegan cleaning products provide ethical, environmental, and operational benefits. They are formulated without animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals, aligning with sustainability and animal welfare values.
For businesses, adopting vegan products enhances brand responsibility and appeals to environmentally conscious consumers.
11. How does SUCITESA help companies comply with Green Key certification?
We provide tailored solutions to meet Green Key’s strict environmental requirements. Our NATURSAFE products are ECOLABEL-certified, ensuring biodegradability, low toxicity, and high performance.
Our EASYMIX system optimises the use of concentrated products, minimising waste and reducing plastic consumption by over 85%. Its precise dosing prevents chemical overuse, lowering water and chemical consumption while improving logistics efficiency and cutting CO₂ emissions.
12. What differentiates an eco-friendly product from a conventional one?
Eco-friendly products:
- Have regulated, non-toxic, and biodegradable formulas – ECOLABEL-certified products meet EU criteria for safe and sustainable ingredients.
- Undergo independent efficiency tests – Only products that match or exceed the performance of similar non-eco products receive certification.
- Prioritise circular economy principles – Eco-friendly products are often designed for recyclability and reuse, reducing environmental impact.
Conventional products:
- Contain stronger chemicals – Often designed for deep cleaning or disinfection, they may include potent compounds that require careful handling.
- Do not need to meet eco-certification criteria – While they must comply with general regulations, they are not subject to specific sustainability requirements.
13. Why is the circular economy essential in professional cleaning?
A circular economy maximises material lifespan, reduces waste, and minimises reliance on finite natural resources. It transforms how cleaning products are produced and consumed, promoting sustainability in both eco-friendly and conventional products.
14. How does SUCITESA ensure the effectiveness of its sustainable products?
We combine innovation, science, and environmental commitment to develop effective, sustainable cleaning solutions. Our products meet the highest quality standards and undergo rigorous performance testing.
15. How does packaging design impact sustainability?
Sustainable packaging reduces waste, resource consumption, and CO₂ emissions. At SUCITESA, we:
- Use lightweight, recyclable, and single-component packaging to improve recyclability and minimise waste.
- Promote reusable packaging, reducing landfill waste and supporting circular economy principles.
- Design compact packaging for efficient transport, cutting CO₂ emissions.
16. How can a business clean sustainably beyond certifications?
Using ECOLABEL products is one option, but sustainable cleaning also involves:
- Using concentrated products with precise dosing systems to prevent waste.
- Implementing efficient cleaning methods that minimise chemical and water use.
- Training staff on sustainable cleaning techniques.
At SUCITESA, we provide both sustainable solutions and training to ensure responsible cleaning practices.
17. What makes SUCITESA unique in sustainable professional cleaning?
We integrate innovation, environmental responsibility, and ethical commitment in everything we do. Our certifications (ISO 14001, ISO 9001, ECOLABEL) guarantee quality and sustainability.
Our solutions, such as EASYMIX and NATURSAFE, reduce plastic use, optimise resources, and lower our carbon footprint while promoting a circular economy. We prioritise transparency and education, helping businesses adopt responsible cleaning practices.
Every small decision impacts our planet. Contact us for personalised advice—let’s make a difference together!
