The Greenwashing Scam: How to Tell if Your Cleaning Products Are Really Eco-Friendly

Are Your “Eco-Friendly” Cleaning Products Really Green?

As eco-consciousness continues to grow, so does demand for sustainable, environmentally responsible products. It’s no surprise that many cleaning brands have jumped on the green bandwagon. Supermarket shelves are lined with products marketed as “natural,” “non-toxic,” and “eco-friendly.” But are they really?

Sadly, many of these products are far from truly sustainable. Instead, they rely on greenwashing—a marketing tactic that makes products appear more environmentally friendly than they actually are.

At Bio-D, we believe in genuine sustainability through transparency, ethical practices, and planet-friendly formulations. But with so many misleading claims out there, how can you tell which cleaning products are actually green?

Let’s explore how to spot greenwashing and make more informed, environmentally responsible choices.

What Is Greenwashing?

Greenwashing occurs when a company exaggerates or fabricates the environmental benefits of its products to appeal to eco-conscious consumers. The goal is simple: to boost sales by appearing green, without actually doing the work to reduce environmental harm.

Greenwashing can take many forms, such as:

• Vague or unsubstantiated claims – Buzzwords like “natural” or “eco-safe” without any real standards or definitions.
• Concealed ingredients – Highlighting a few plant-based ingredients while hiding toxic chemicals.
• Misleading visuals – Using green packaging or nature imagery to suggest eco-friendliness.
• Fake eco-labels – Displaying unofficial “badges” that mimic genuine environmental certifications.
• Partial truths – Advertising a single eco-friendly attribute while ignoring other harmful practices.

5 Ways to Spot Greenwashing in Cleaning Products

1. Look Beyond the Buzzwords

Words like “green,” “natural,” and “earth-friendly” can be slapped on nearly any product, regardless of what’s inside. These terms aren’t regulated and often lack any meaningful definition. Instead, seek out independent, third-party certifications that verify a product’s environmental credentials.

Key certifications to look for include:

• Leaping Bunny – Verifies cruelty-free practices
• Vegan Society – Confirms the absence of animal-derived ingredients
• ISO 14001 – Recognises strong environmental management systems
• Ethical Consumer Best Buy – A top rating for ethical production and sustainability

Bio-D proudly displays these and other respected certifications to back up our claims.

See our certifications here.

2. Read the Ingredient List Carefully

A product marketed as “eco” can still contain ingredients that harm your health and the environment. While some companies list only selected ingredients, truly transparent brands disclose everything.

Watch out for these common red flags:

• Phosphates – Pollute waterways and harm aquatic ecosystems
• Parabens – Synthetic preservatives linked to hormonal disruption
• Artificial fragrances – Often include allergens and undisclosed compounds
• Chlorine and bleach – Harsh chemicals that reduce indoor air quality
•  Synthetic preservatives like phenoxyethanol, MIT, and BIT – These can cause irritation and are not always clearly disclosed
• Petrochemical-derived surfactants – Common in many products and often masked with gentle-sounding names

At Bio-D, we use only plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, nothing more, nothing less.

 See what we leave out guide here.

3. Examine the Packaging

Even if a product claims to be eco-friendly, excessive or non-recyclable packaging can undermine its sustainability. Packaging is a major contributor to environmental waste.

Avoid:

• Single-use plastics
• Misleading “recyclable” claims without clear disposal instructions

Look for:

• Refillable containers – Bio-D offers convenient 5L and 20L refill options
• Recycled and recyclable materials – All our bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic

Shop Bio-D’s refillable range

4. Check for Brand Transparency

Trustworthy brands are open about their operations and sustainability practices. If a company is genuinely eco-conscious, it will offer full transparency.

Look for:

• Third-party certifications clearly displayed
  • Evidence of ethical sourcing
  • Information on energy use, carbon footprint, and sustainability efforts

Instead of “clear ingredient lists,” which may imply more detail than regulations allow, look for brands that explain their ingredient policies, share what’s left out, and provide transparency on how their products are made.

Bio-D shares this information publicly because we believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re buying.

5. Research the Company’s Environmental Policies

Is the company committed to long-term sustainability, or just trying to look good on a label? A genuinely eco-conscious company will go beyond product formulation.

At Bio-D, we:

• Use 100% renewable energy in our manufacturing
• Available at UK-wide refill stores to cut plastic waste
• Package products in recycled and recyclable bottles
• Ensure every formula is cruelty-free and biodegradable

We’re not perfect, but we’re committed to continuous improvement and full accountability.

The Bio-D Difference: 100% Transparent, 100% Sustainable

Bio-D isn’t just another “green” brand. We’re committed to real sustainability, and we have nothing to hide.

What sets us apart:

• Plant-based, non-toxic, biodegradable formulas
• Refillable options to reduce plastic waste
• Independent certification for cruelty-free, vegan, and ethical practices
• Manufactured in the UK using renewable energy
• Transparent ingredient philosophy that meets and exceeds regulatory standards
• Full transparency and clear labelling, no greenwashing

Shop our genuinely eco-friendly cleaning products

Don’t Fall for Greenwashing

Greenwashing is more than just misleading, it delays real environmental progress. By learning how to spot false eco claims, you can make better choices that truly support the planet.

Here’s a quick checklist to help you stay greenwashing-free:

✅ Are there third-party eco certifications?
✅ Is the full ingredient list disclosed?
✅ Does the packaging support sustainability?
✅ Is the company transparent about its practices?
✅ Does it have a real environmental mission?

If the answer is no, it might not be as green as it seems.

At Bio-D, we’re proud to stand for genuine, verifiable sustainability. When you choose our products, you’re choosing ethical, responsible cleaning—for your home and for the Earth.

Explore our sustainable cleaning range.