Surfactants are surface-active agents that help break down the interface between water and oils or dirt. They are one of the main ingredients used in detergents. Surfactants can, however, pose a risk to the environment as they are discharged into sewage systems or directly into surface waters. To prevent any adverse effects that surfactants might have on the environment, it is necessary to set requirements ensuring that surfactants are completely biodegradable, whether they are placed on the market on their own and intended for use in detergents or whether they are contained in detergents.
Text as published in the Official Journal, reproduced verbatim (including any typographical quirks of the source). For the authentic version, see EUR-Lex.
