Because of our concerns relative to the potential 1,4, Dioxane (suspected carcinogen) contamination of SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Lauryl Esther Sulfate) we 100% engineered these two ingredients out of all our products. This was very difficult technically and very costly but we felt that eliminating SLS and SLES was a VERY HIGH PRIORITY given that these ingredients are typically present in very high percentages such as 10 to 30% in finished products. New York is so concerned about such contamination ingredients that they just implemented a law requiring that producers test and disclose the amount of 1,4, Dioxane in such ingredients. We took the safer path and just totally engineered them out of use. Companies such as Biokleen disclose on their website that they use SLS or SLES in many/most of their products. Our labels do not list such ingredients because they are not present in ANY our products and our labels state specifically that these two ingredients are never used in our products
At a level just above 1%, we use a Block Copolymer in our automatic dishwasher powder. This ingredient is readily biodegradable and is listed by the EPA as a Safer Choice ingredient. It is a surfactant but is described as a “polymer” because it is a large molecule, made of repeating groups. This ingredient controls foaming. It promotes water sheeting and a fast runoff, so drops don’t dry onto dishware, glasses and flatware. Those drops would then dry down to leave spots from the minerals naturally present in the water. The small amount of Block Copolymer we use thus eliminates the need for an entire rinse conditioner product.
In summary, our Block Copolymer is non-hazardous, eliminates the need for rinse products, is readily biodegradable, and is specially promoted/suggested by the EPA as a Safer Choice ingredient. While this block copolymer is not harmful to humans or the environment, it is not plant-based. We will replace with a plant-based alternative as soon as such an ingredient becomes available, regardless of cost.
Enzymes are another complex issue. These very natural materials can bother some people. But we use them because they eliminate the need for harsh chemicals that will absolutely wreck the rivers and lakes.