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/ Magazine / CHRISTEYNS,
where green chemistry
meets Nordic Swan and OEKO-TEX®
edited by
MARZIO NAVA
Chemistry is one of the decisive factors underpinning service quality in professional laundries, ensuring proper textile care and guaranteeing hygiene - an essential requirement not only during pandemic periods, but in everyday operations. Today, chemical development is increasingly oriented toward green innovation, with the aim of integrating more effectively into a circular economy model without compromising performance standards. At the center of this evolution remains the primary element being processed: the textile itself.
Multiple levers contribute to reducing environmental impact while extending the useful life of textiles:
- Ecolabel and/or similar ISO 14024 certifications
- Textile waste reduction
- Packaging reduction
From a formulation perspective, the core of the chemical supplier’s service, the focus is on solutions with lower environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle, including disposal. In this context, the extensive banned-substance lists established under ISO 14024 - based ecolabels play a central role.
Among the most stringent frameworks are those defined by NORDIC SWAN ECOLABEL, which impose significant restrictions on raw materials associated with water pollution (groundwater, surface water, and marine environments).
The following substances must not be present in the product:
• Reactive chlorine compounds (for example sodium hypochlorite) and/or organic chlorime compounds
• APEO and APD (alkyphenolethoxylates and alkylphenol derivatives)
• LAS (linear alkylsulphonates) • DADMAC (diallyl dimethyl ammounium chloride)
• PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkylated compounds)
• Phthalathes. Also excluded through requirements relating to endocrine disrupting substances
• Boric acid, borates, and perborates
• Optical brighteners
• Fragrances
• Triclosan
• EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetate and its salts) and DTPA (diethylenetriaminepentaacetate)
• Composti di ammonio quaternario che non sono facilmente degradabili***
• Siloxane D4, D5 and HMDS
• Substances on the Candidate List*
• Substances that are juddged by the EU as being PBT substances (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic) or vPvB-substances (very persistent and very bioaccumulable) in accordance with the criteria in Annex XIII in REACH [Regulation (EC) 1907/2006]).
• Substances assessed for potential endocrine-disrupting effects Cat I or Cat II within the EU list of substances with documentation for potential endocrine-disrupting effects. See following link: http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/endocrine/pdf/ final_report_2007.pdf
• Halogenated flame retardants
• Nanomateriali/particelle**
Among the most stringent frameworks are those defined by NORDIC SWAN ECOLABEL, which impose significant restrictions on raw materials associated with water pollution (groundwater, surface water, and marine environments).
These solutions have been developed, tested, and validated for a wide range of applications, including workwear and PPE, and comply with Italian Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM).
However, a structural gap has long existed between chemical certifications and textile certifications. While detergent manufacturers are required to supply ISO 14024–certified products, textile manufacturers must comply with OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, internationally recognized as a benchmark for fabric safety.
“Products for many applications, Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified and compliant with Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAM)”
Christeyns Italia, uniquely in Italy, has pioneered an advanced certification pathway that combines Nordic Swan/EU Ecolabel certification with OEKO-TEX® Passport, expanding and strengthening the scope of ISO 14024 compliance.
The fundamental difference between the two frameworks is strategic. Nordic Swan and EU Ecolabel primarily assess environmental impact and the intrinsic safety of the chemical product. OEKO-TEX® Passport, while also considering environmental criteria, places particular emphasis on safeguarding the safety of the finished textile that comes into contact with the end user, as well as its durability over time. Together, these certifications represent one of the highest levels of sustainability currently available on the market.
For example, OEKO-TEX® Passport introduces additional restrictions on specific chemical components, further tightening safety thresholds. Certain substances cannot exceed the threshold value with a restriction, due to regulations (REACH, POP etc.).
These include but are not limited to:
• Perfluorocarboxylic acids – (PFCA) PFNA; PFDA; PFUdA; PFD0A; PFTrA; PFTeDA; etc.
• PFSA
• PFOA
• PFOA related substances
• Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO)
• Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE)
The product portfolio is structured to cover all professional laundry treatment needs: - Neutral detergent: Select Detergent Blue - Enzymatic detergent: Cool Care Blue - Complex alkali: Select Power Blue - Sanitizers and bleaching agents: Bioxigen (PAP) and Sonril Light (H2O2) - Degreaser: Mulan Spirit (N) - Neutralizer: Neutracitric These products address the full spectrum of textile treatment requirements in professional laundries and can be applied synergistically with ozone systems. From a logistics perspective, packaging reduction is achieved through: - Bulk supply in tanks, minimizing disposable packaging - Returnable container systems for reuse.
“OEKO-TEX® Passport
certified products for professional textile
treatment in laundries”
011 Plastic packaging
• PVC or other halogenated plastics must not be present in packaging or in the label
• Declaration that the requirement is fulfilled
Moreover, these formulations are available in highly concentrated versions, allowing reduced dosage per wash cycle. Improved eco-compatibility enhances rinsability and miscibility, reducing process water consumption. Increased effectiveness often enables fewer process steps compared to traditional systems, translating into measurable efficiency gains and lower overall operating costs. •
CHRISTEYNS ITALIA SRL
Via Aldo Moro 30
20042 Pessano con Bornago MI – Italy
T. + 39 02 99765200
info.italia@christeyns.com christeyns.com
DETERGO MAGAZINE # MARCH 2026
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In 1990 was founded the Association ASSOFORNITORI. In 2022 the name has been changed to ASSOCIAZIONE ITALIANA FORNITORI LAVANDERIE (ITALIAN ASSOCIATION OF LAUNDRY SUPPLIERS), with the acronym AIFL.
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Email: info@assofornitori.com
C.F. 97091250155
Via Aldo Moro 45
20060 Gessate (MI)
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