Greenwashing in detergents and care products: How to recognize real sustainability

Sustainable care products put to the test: Who keeps their promises?

More and more consumers are looking for natural detergents, eco-friendly cleaners and sustainable care products for shoes and clothing. But many manufacturers use terms such as “eco”, “green” or “good for the environment” – without real transparency. Phosphates, synthetic surfactants and allergenic preservatives are often found in products that market themselves as “environmentally friendly”.

How can you recognize real natural detergents ? And why does Tapir rely on 100% natural ingredients – without any greenwashing?

1. The greenwashing trick: When “sustainable” is just an advertising promise

Many detergents and care products advertise “low-phosphate” or “plant-based ingredients”, but still contain:

Phosphates (even in small quantities harmful to the environment)
Synthetic surfactants (poorly degradable)
Preservatives such as methylisothiazolinones (allergenic and harmful to the environment)
Artificial fragrances (can cause skin irritation)

Problem: These ingredients contradict the claim of genuine natural detergents

2. Why tapir is truly sustainable – without compromise

Tapir develops natural cleaning and care products with a focus on:

✔ 100% natural raw materials – without chemicals, without synthetic additives
✔ Phosphate-free & biodegradable – protects water and skin
✔ Exclusively natural fragrance
✔ No allergenic preservatives – safe for sensitive skin
✔ Plastic-free packaging – for real environmental protection
✔ Products certified according to the high NCP standard!

Our claim: No greenwashing – just real natural cosmetics for textiles.

3. How do you recognize a truly sustainable care product?

If you are looking for chemical-free detergents, vegan care products , pay attention to:

Certifications:

e.g. Ecocert or even stricter NCP (Tapir meets the highest standards)
“Phosphate-free” and “without synthetic fragrances” (with Tapir of course)

Ingredients:

Vegetable surfactants (e.g. from coconut or sugar)
Natural Preservation
No harmful plasticizers, optical brighteners
No paraffins or petroleum-based by-products

Stay away from:

Vague terms such as “near-natural” or “environmentally friendly” or “raw materials of natural origin” without proof
Ingredients such as methylisothiazolinones, parabens or silicones

4. Conclusion: Tapir – sustainability you can feel

While many manufacturers advertise “eco-care products” but contain chemicals , Tapir relies on clear transparency: ✔ No greenwashing – only real natural ingredients.

Tapir always has an open full declaration for the products and you can see exactly which ingredients are contained – so full transparency!

Do you want a care product that does what it promises?

**Discover Tapir’s natural cleaning products, impregnations and care products – for well-groomed shoes and a clean environment.