GS-
48

Laundry Care Products for Household Use

GS-48 specifies performance requirements and environmental and health requirements for household laundry care products, such as concentration, reduced toxicity, biodegradability, and reduced and recyclable packaging. Companies can use GS-48 to guide their product development, and are invited to apply for Green Seal certification. The standard covers the following products labeled for household use:

  • laundry detergent products
  • stain and spot removers
  • bleaches and fabric softeners
  • anti-static and anti-wrinkle products
  • fabric refreshers and prewash products
  • laundry starch/sizing/fabric finish
  • combination products that may serve several of these functions

A subset of these product categories includes bio-based products, and those containing enzymes and microorganisms. A comprehensive list of the product categories included in or excluded from GS-48 can be found in Appendix 1 of the standard.

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Resources

standard revisions

Latest version: Edition 1.7, June 23, 2022

Recent Changes: GS-48 underwent corrections and/or clarifications and was re-published on October 27, 2023. For details on the non-substantive changes made to this standard, please see the Standard Documents Library.

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CRITERIA THAT HELP PRESERVE THE CLIMATE
Many of the standards for human health, minimizing waste, and ensuring clean water also help preserve the climate:
  • Content limits on volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
  • Limits on phosphorus
  • Prohibition on ozone-depleting compounds
  • Cold water use instructions
  • Prohibition on halogenated organic solvents
  • Reduced/recycled packaging
  • Concentrated products
  • Verified performance in cold water
RESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
Acute Toxicity (Oral) LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg
Acute Toxicity (Inhalation) LC50 > 20,000 ppmV at 1 hour
Dermal Toxicity (Skin) LD50 > 2,000mg/kg
Skin and Eye Damage pH of > 2.0 but less than 11.5; Must not be corrosive to skin or eyes
Skin Sensitization Must not be a skin sensitizer
Skin Absorption Sum of ingredients with skin notations restricted to <1%
Asthmagens Prohibited above 100ppm (separate criteria for enzymes)
Respiratory Sensitizers Prohibited above 100ppm
Ozone Depleting Compounds Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Volatile Organic Compounds Restricted to < level specified in CARB or standard for product type
Carcinogens Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Mutagens Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Reproductive Toxins Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Neurotoxins / Systemic Toxins Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Endocrine Disruptors Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Alkylphenol Ethoxylates Cannot be intentionally added at any level
2-Butoxyethanol Cannot be intentionally added at any level
o-Phenylphenol Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Triclosan Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Halogenated Organic Solvents Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Nitro-musks Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Toxic Release Inventory Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic Chemicals Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Polycyclic Musks Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Colorants Cannot contain any intentionally added heavy metals
Phthalates Cannot be intentionally added at any level and must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
Bisphenol A Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
Chlorinated Materials Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
Hexavalent Chromium Cannot be intentionally added at any level and must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
Lead Cannot be intentionally added at any level and must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
Mercury Cannot be intentionally added to primary packaging
Selenium Cannot be intentionally added at any level
Cadmium Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
Enzymes Products containing enzymes must meet additional criteria
Microorganisms Products containing microorganisms must meet additional criteria
RESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
Acute Toxicity to Aquatic Life LC50 > 100mg/L for algae, daphnia, or fish
Aquatic Biodegradability Each organic ingredient must readily biodegrade
Eutrophication Sum of total phosphorus restricted to < 0.5%
Optical Brighteners Prohibited above 100ppm
REQUIREMENTS TO PREVENT WASTE
Primary Packaging Must be either source-reduced, recyclable, contain at least 25% post-consumer material, or be a refillable package with an effective take-back program
Aerosol Packaging Recycling programs must be available for packaging where product is sold
Use Labelling Must have detailed instructions for proper use to minimize waste
Recycling Labelling Must be marked with the appropriate Resin Identification Code, if plastic, and have clear recycling instructions for disposal