Product Reviews

In recent years, the world has shifted toward greener living — and cleaning is no exception. As more people question what’s inside their disinfectants and detergents, Reckitt, the company behind trusted brands like Dettol, Lysol, Harpic, and Air Wick, has found itself in the spotlight. So, are Reckitt cleaning products truly eco-friendly, or is it just clever marketing? Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding Reckitt’s Environmental Commitment

Reckitt has publicly committed to reducing its environmental footprint through several global sustainability goals. The company’s strategy, known as “For a Cleaner, Healthier World,” focuses on three main pillars:

• Reducing plastic packaging waste.

• Lowering carbon emissions in manufacturing and supply chains.

• Using more biodegradable and renewable ingredients in its products.

According to Reckitt’s sustainability reports, the company aims to make 100% of its plastic packaging recyclable or reusable by 2030 and to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Ingredient Transparency and Safety

Reckitt has made strides in disclosing its product ingredients, allowing consumers to check what’s inside household items such as Dettol Antibacterial Spray or Harpic Toilet Cleaner. The brand’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) list each product’s active ingredients, which helps users identify eco-impacting components.

For instance:

• Dettol and Lysol use Chloroxylenol and Benzalkonium Chloride, powerful disinfectants that are not fully biodegradable but are safe when used as directed.

• Finish Dishwashing Products and Vanish Fabric Cleaners have shifted toward using phosphate-free and plant-based surfactants, reducing harm to waterways.

While not every Reckitt product is fully eco-certified, progress is being made toward cleaner, safer formulations.

Packaging Innovations

Reckitt has introduced several packaging initiatives under its sustainability roadmap:

• Refill packs for brands like Air Wick and Dettol to reduce single-use plastic.

• Concentrated formulas that use less packaging and reduce transport emissions.

• Recycled bottles — some Lysol and Harpic products are now packaged in bottles made from up to 50% recycled plastic.

These changes may seem small, but across millions of products, they make a big difference in lowering plastic waste.

The Challenge: Chemical Residues and Water Safety

Despite progress, there are ongoing challenges. Many of Reckitt’s top-selling disinfectants contain non-biodegradable chemicals that can persist in wastewater. Although safe for home use, these ingredients are not always eco-friendly when they enter natural ecosystems.

Environmental groups have encouraged Reckitt to accelerate the transition to plant-based biocides and biodegradable cleaning agents, similar to what competitors like Method and Seventh Generation have adopted.

Are Reckitt Products Certified as Eco-Friendly?

Reckitt’s brands are not uniformly certified under global eco-labels such as EU Ecolabel or Green Seal, but several of its newer product lines — particularly in Europe — meet stringent environmental criteria. For example:

• Air Wick Botanica Collection features natural essential oils and 100% recyclable packaging.

• Finish Eco Dishwasher Tabs use plant-derived ingredients and come in plastic-free boxes.

• Dettol Refill Concentrates significantly reduce waste compared to single-use disinfectants.

These examples show a clear shift in Reckitt’s direction — though it’s still a work in progress rather than a fully “green” product line.

What Makes a Cleaning Product Truly Eco-Friendly?

To understand Reckitt’s position, it helps to define what makes a product genuinely eco-friendly. A sustainable cleaner should:

1. Be biodegradable and non-toxic to aquatic life.

2. Contain plant-based ingredients rather than petroleum derivatives.

3. Have minimal or recyclable packaging.

4. Be manufactured under low-emission processes. Reckitt has begun meeting some of these standards, but not all — at least not yet.

Consumer Perspective: What Nigerians Should Know

In Nigeria, Reckitt remains one of the most accessible hygiene brands. Dettol, Harpic, and Air Wick products are available nationwide and widely trusted. However, eco-friendly options like refill packs and plant-based products are not yet as common locally as they are in Europe or North America. That said, the global shift within Reckitt’s supply chain will eventually reach African markets.

For now, Nigerian consumers can make small eco-conscious choices, such as:

• Refilling bottles instead of buying new ones.

• Using diluted formulas to reduce waste.

• Recycling product packaging where facilities exist.

Final Verdict

So, are Reckitt cleaning products eco-friendly? Not entirely, but they’re heading in the right direction. The company has made notable strides in reducing plastic use, increasing transparency, and developing more sustainable product lines. However, many of its disinfectants still rely on traditional chemical ingredients.

If you’re looking to balance hygiene and sustainability, start by choosing Reckitt’s refillable and plant-based ranges — and always follow proper disposal guidelines.

For authentic and responsibly sourced Reckitt products in Nigeria, explore Brandlistry Nigeria, your trusted platform for genuine home and hygiene essentials.