Policy Priorities / chemicals policy
Enzymes in detergents
How the framework works today
Enzymes are key functional ingredients in modern detergents and cleaning products. They have been used in the sector since the 1960s and are widely applied due to their performance, safety and low environmental impact, as they enable detergents to remove stains at low temperatures.
Enzymes are protein molecules that act as biological catalysts, accelerating chemical reactions. In detergent formulations, they help break down complex stains such as proteins, fats and starches into smaller fragments that can be more easily removed during washing. This targeted action supports a higher degree of stain removal, whiteness, fabric and colour care, and overall cleaning performance.
In Europe, enzymes are regulated under existing chemicals legislation, including the CLP Regulation and REACH, ensuring that their use is properly assessed and managed.
What is changing: policy and sustainability context
Enzymes are increasingly relevant in the context of EU policy objectives related to sustainability, energy efficiency and circular economy principles. A key property of enzymes is that they enable effective cleaning at lower temperatures, reducing the need to heat water during washing. Since water heating is the most energy-intensive stage of the washing process, this supports reductions in energy consumption and associated emissions
This makes enzyme technology directly relevant to wider policy discussions on sustainable product design, consumer behaviour and reducing the environmental footprint of everyday products.
The role of the industry
The cleaning and hygiene products industry has played a leading role in the development and safe application of enzyme technologies in detergents. Enzymes are effective at low concentrations, are readily biodegradable, and support low-temperature washing, product compaction and extended textile lifecycles.
The industry has also developed comprehensive safety frameworks to ensure safe handling and use of enzymes across the value chain. The industry has developed guidance and other tools for safe handling and this work has been done in collaboration with AMFEP and coordinated globally with the American Cleaning Institute (ACI) and the Household & Commercial Products Association (HCPA).
Industry perspective and Detergents Europe’s work
Detergents Europe contributes to enzyme-related policy and technical discussions by providing scientific expertise and practical implementation experience. This includes supporting a science-based understanding of enzyme functionality and safety, contributing to regulatory discussions under CLP and REACH, and developing and updating guidance on risk assessment and safe handling.
This work is carried out collaboratively with international partners, notably ACI, HCPA and AMFEP, ensuring a globally aligned and scientifically consistent approach to enzyme safety and use.
A key priority is to highlight the role of enzymes in enabling more sustainable cleaning practices, particularly through their contribution to effective washing at lower temperatures. In this context, enzymes are directly linked to initiatives promoting low-temperature washing in the Sustainability and Circular Economy section, where the focus is on translating innovation into real-world environmental benefits through changes in consumer behaviour.
From an industry perspective, maintaining a proportionate, risk-based regulatory framework is essential to support continued innovation and the sustainability benefits associated with enzyme use.
