Brief summary: "Biodegradable" and "without hazard labelling" describe two different properties of a product: The former refers to how a substance is broken down in the environment, the latter to whether classification as a hazardous substance according to the CLP Regulation is required. The HATOCH pH7 Stick is both – but "inherently" biodegradable rather than "readily" biodegradable, an important technical distinction. The citric acid-based SPECIAL variant has its own classification.
→ Direct to product: HATOCH pH7 Stick 50ml.
What does "without hazard labelling" mean?
Without hazard labelling means that a product does not have to be classified as a hazardous substance according to the CLP Regulation (EU Regulation 1272/2008) and therefore does not bear any H-phrases (hazard statements). This typically reduces the effort involved in storage, labelling and handling – regardless of whether a product contains solvents or not.
What does "biodegradable" mean?
Biodegradable describes whether and how quickly a substance is decomposed by microorganisms in the environment. There are different standards according to OECD test guidelines:
- "Readily biodegradable" is a strict standard with high degradation rates in a short time.
- "Inherently biodegradable" is a less strict standard – the HATOCH pH7 Stick achieves 25% degradation in 28 days according to OECD 302B.
This distinction is important for correct, non-misleading product communication.
Why these terms are independent of each other
Whether a product has no hazard labelling says nothing about how quickly it is biodegradable – and vice versa. Both properties describe different aspects of environmental and application safety and should not be used synonymously.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is "biodegradable" the same as "readily biodegradable"?
No. "Readily biodegradable" is a stricter OECD standard with higher degradation rates. The HATOCH pH7 Stick is "inherently biodegradable" (25% degradation in 28 days according to OECD 302B).
Does "without hazard labelling" automatically mean more environmentally friendly?
Not automatically. Hazard labelling indicates whether classification according to the CLP Regulation is required. Biodegradability is a separate property that is assessed independently.
Why is the pH7 Stick not advertised as "readily biodegradable"?
Because the product does not meet this stricter standard. The correct classification is "inherently biodegradable" – a precise, non-misleading statement.