Amway Eliminates Phosphates from All Detergents Globally

Consumer products manufacturer Amway has decided to eliminate phosphates from all of its laundry detergents globally. The company has been manufacturing phosphate-free laundry detergents for all its markets, even in countries without phosphate regulations, since the early 2000s.

Amway introduced its first phosphate-free laundry formula in the U.S. in the early 1970s. At the time, it was available even in areas where phosphates were not banned, offering consumers a choice. By the mid-1990s, the company had developed a formula that performed as well as phosphate-containing products, and Amway began replacing original formulas with the Bioquest™ formula in the U.S. and Europe, followed by Asian markets in the early 2000s.

Phosphates are used in detergents to soften hard water and keep dirt suspended in wash water. However, they also act as fertilizers. When they enter waterways, they can promote excessive plant growth and decay, degrading water quality and suffocating aquatic life. While phosphate runoff from agriculture and fertilized lawns is the largest contributor to phosphate pollution in waterways, detergents have played a significant role in reducing phosphates in water bodies.

According to Amway, providing more environmentally friendly products has been a cornerstone of the company's business philosophy for over 50 years. The company's first product sold was the phosphate-free multipurpose cleaner L.O.C.™. The idea developed then has been continuously improved. Amway's phosphate-free formulas are patented and utilize citrates and sodium carbonate, which are fully soluble and leave no irritating residue on fabrics.

The company also introduced a phosphate-free formula for automatic dishwasher detergent in 2008. Amway is committed to providing sustainable cleaning products and has, among other initiatives, signed the Charter for Sustainable Cleaning of the European Soap and Detergent Association and collaborates with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Design for the Environment program.