Janitorial & Sanitation Reference Library · Chemistry & Dilution
Safer Choice, Green Seal and ECOLOGO Labels
Safer Choice, Green Seal and UL ECOLOGO are third-party programs that certify cleaning products against environmental and health criteria. This sheet explains who runs each one, what it covers and how to check a claim.
Draft, open for review. Check every value against the governing standard and the manufacturer’s data before use.
What it is
Environmental labels on cleaning products range from vague marketing claims to independent, standard-based certification. Third-party certification means an organization other than the maker reviews the product against published criteria. Buyers, schools, governments and green building programs often require these labels.
How to read it
- Find the logo and the program name on the label or the product data sheet.
- Check the certified product list. Each program publishes a searchable list. The exact product name and size should appear on it.
- Check the standard and category. A product is certified for a stated use, such as general purpose cleaning or hand soap.
- Read the use directions. Certification assumes the product is used at the listed dilution.
The main programs
| Label | Run by | Covers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safer Choice | US EPA | Each ingredient is reviewed against hazard criteria, plus product performance and packaging | Federal program; includes a Fragrance-Free version |
| Design for the Environment (DfE) | US EPA | Antimicrobial products such as disinfectants that meet EPA criteria | Disinfectants are pesticides and cannot carry the Safer Choice label |
| Green Seal GS-37 | Green Seal (nonprofit) | Cleaning products for industrial and institutional use | Includes health, environmental and performance criteria |
| UL ECOLOGO | UL Solutions | Multi-attribute standards for many product types, including cleaners | Certification is to a specific UL environmental standard |
Key points
- A certification applies to a specific product and formula. A maker's other products may not be certified.
- Certified does not mean non-hazardous. Read the SDS and use PPE as directed.
- Disinfectants are registered under FIFRA. Look for the EPA registration number, not a green label, for disinfection claims.
- Green building programs and purchasing policies may name which labels they accept.
- Self-declared terms such as "natural," "eco" or "non-toxic" are not certifications.
Common mistakes
- Accepting a logo without checking the certified product list.
- Assuming a certified concentrate is still compliant when diluted stronger than directed.
- Treating a green cleaner as a disinfectant.
- Confusing an ingredient-level claim with whole-product certification.
Governing standards: EPA Safer Choice Standard; Green Seal GS-37; the applicable UL ECOLOGO standard for the product category.
Reference only. Verify against the current governing code or standard, the manufacturer's data and the project documents before use. Apps for Distributors disclaims liability arising from reliance on this reference.
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