Biotech Starter Kit – Why is the Detergents Regulation Important for Biotechnology?
FACTSHEET
Why is the Detergents Regulation Important for Biotechnology?
Biotechnologies play a key role in the development and production of critical compounds, products and technologies across multiple sectors including detergents (e.g. enzymes, microbial cleaning products). Biotechnological innovations have improved detergent performance while reducing their environmental footprint (significant reduction in water use and GHG emissions) and use of hazardous chemicals. A revised Detergents regulation must ensure that Europe’s detergents sector remains competitive and innovative, in line with EU sustainability ambitions, to which biotechnology is an important contributor as a net-zero technology.
Why Revise the Detergents Regulation?
The Detergents Regulation provides a framework for the placing on the market of detergents while maintaining a high degree of protection for human and environmental health. The Commission proposed a revision of the Regulation for Detergents and surfactants in April 2023. The proposal includes a new regulatory framework for microbial cleaning products. The European Parliament adopted its position in February. The Belgian Council Presidency reached General approach in June 2024. Trilogues are expected to take place under the Hungarian and Polish presidencies.
As an MEP, you can support an enabling framework in the revision of the Detergents Regulation and ensure that Europeans benefit from innovative and safe products today.
EuropaBio’s Position
EuropaBio promotes an innovative and dynamic European biotechnology industry through the responsible and regulated use of biotechnology to improve quality of life. Biotechnology innovative solutions, such as enzymes, biosurfactants and microbial detergents, contribute to the circular bioeconomy by improving detergent safety and sustainability. A revised Detergents regulation can ensure an enabling and supportive regulatory framework for biotechnology innovation .
