A review of the life cycle analyses of our various product categories shows that environmental impacts often occur at very different phases within the life cycle of a product. Hence, suitable improvements also differ widely. The following chart shows the life cycle assessment for automatic dish washing and laundering. Here, the peak energy demand and associated carbon dioxide emissions occur during the product use in a washing machine or dishwasher:

Here, we focus on developing products that can be used in an energy-saving manner, e.g. for low-temperature washing. At the same time, we try to influence the behavior of customers and consumers through targeted communication. To encourage consumers to conserve resources, for example, we participate in the “Save Energy, Save Water” initiative of the International Association for Soaps, Detergents and Maintenance Products (A. I. S. E.). This initiative was launched to encourage consumers in Europe to save energy and water when using their dishwashers. 

On the other hand, energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions associated with the product category of household cleaners are relatively low throughout their life cycle and are not generally attributable to their use. The carbon dioxide footprint of a typical household cleaner is about 90 percent smaller than that of an all-purpose laundry detergent. In cases such as these, we take different approaches to achieve improvements. These include greater use of renewable raw materials, the improvement of biodegradability, and the reduction and improvement of packaging materials.

In order to measure the contribution of products to climate protection, experiments are being carried out worldwide to measure product carbon footprints. This involves determining all climate-relevant greenhouse gas emissions throughout the value chain of a product – from the purchase of the raw materials through production and use to disposal. Until now there has been no internationally harmonized method for determining the carbon footprint of a product. We are therefore participating in pilot projects in Germany and the USA.

Germany we are working with partners in research, industry, the retail trade and non-governmental organizations to drive forward the development of a reliable and internationally harmonized method of determining carbon footprints. Building on this, possible forms of meaningful product information for consumers on the subject of climate change are being discussed, as the involvement of consumers will be vital if we wish to make significant progress in climate protection.

A key area of our research in cooperation with Arizona State University in Phoenix, Arizona (USA), is the environmental impact of laundry washing, taking into consideration the special conditions in American households. The scientific findings reveal how consumers can contribute to conserving resources through the use of efficient washing machines, dryers and laundry detergents, as well as by changing their laundry washing habits.