In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, the cleaning and hygiene sector is under growing pressure
Pressure to reduce environmental impact, minimise chemical hazards, whilst maintaining, or even improving performance. At the centre of this industry shift are microbial cleaning products: formulations that harness beneficial Bacillus strains to degrade organic matter, control odours and maintain hygiene.
However, this shift is not without its challenges, primarily how to balance stringent regulatory requirements, deliver genuinely sustainable formulations, and robust cleaning performance. For an organisation like Genesis Biosciences, getting this balance right is vital.
The Regulatory Landscape for Microbial Cleaning Products
Microbial Based Cleaning Products (MBCPs) are subject to a range of regulatory regimes that shape their formulation, safety, and marketability.
The EU Detergents Regulation governs aspects such as surfactants, biodegradability, and toxicity, and is currently undergoing revision to explicitly include MBCPs within its scope.
The EU Directive 2000/54/EC mandates the use of non-pathogenic microbial strains and sets standards for worker exposure to biological agents.
The Chemical Strategy for Sustainability promotes the adoption of safer, low-toxicity chemical alternatives, encouraging manufacturers to move away from hazardous substances.
Additionally, eco-label schemes like Ecolabel and ECOCERT impose strict environmental criteria for certification, pushing companies to meet high standards in biodegradability and ingredient sourcing.
Finally, all microbial efficacy claims must be substantiated by scientific data and validated by third-party testing, ensuring transparency and credibility in product performance.
Sustainability: What It Means for Microbial Cleaning Products
When talking sustainability in the context of microbial cleaning, it’s not enough to claim that they are “natural”, the entire lifecycle comes into consideration. Below are key sustainability dimensions and typical trade‑offs.
Raw materials & sourcing
Raw materials should ideally be bio-based, readily biodegradable, low toxicity, and from certified sustainable sources. Additionally, the sustainability of the supply chain must be considered, including carbon emissions, energy consumption, and ecological impact from sourcing ingredients.
Formulation design & packaging
Shipping concentrated products that are diluted on-site helps reduce transport emissions and packaging waste. Packaging should be recycled, recyclable, or biodegradable. While refill systems offer economic and environmental advantages, they may pose challenges to microbial stability or conflict with regulatory requirements, as some proposed regulations restrict refill formats.
Logistics strategies such as reducing shipping volumes, using distributed manufacturing, and optimising transport networks are also essential.
Disposal & environmental fate
Once microbial and chemical components enter wastewater systems, they must degrade safely without leaving persistent residues. The microbial strains should either integrate harmlessly into ecosystems or die off without causing disruption. Any metabolic by-products should be non-toxic and easily assimilated into natural cycles.
Use efficiency
Underperforming products lead to overdosing or repeated cleaning, which wastes resources. The UKCPI’s “Green Cleaning” guidance stresses that ineffective cleaning is inherently unsustainable. Microbial cleaning products must also be compatible with existing dosing systems, cleaning routines, and wastewater infrastructure. If they require entirely new equipment or procedures, adoption may be hindered and environmental benefits diminished.
Performance: The Non-negotiables
At the end of the day, a microbial cleaning product must do its job, otherwise it will fail to displace conventional chemistries.
Their speed and efficacy depend on the microbes’ ability to germinate and secrete powerful cleaning agents including enzymes such as lipases, proteases, and cellulases, as well as secondary metabolites that help break down stubborn dirt, grime, and biofilms. Genesis Biosciences uses only application-specific Bacillus strains selected through genomic screening to optimise effectiveness and safety.
Beyond efficacy, microbial products must demonstrate stability, compatibility, and safety. Long shelf life requires robust spore viability and consistent microbial counts, with emerging regulations potentially mandating minimum thresholds. Products must also resist contamination and function under extreme conditions. A key advantage of microbial cleaners is their residual action; the ability to continue breaking down organic matter and controlling odours after application. The overall formulation must be non-harmful to users, surfaces, and downstream systems like wastewater treatment plants.
Strategies to Balance Regulations, Sustainability & Performance
Given all the above, how can manufacturers and formulators hit the sweet spot? Manufacturers and formulators of microbial cleaning products can achieve the ideal balance of safety, sustainability, and performance by adopting a strategic, science-led approach. It starts with developing formulations that use only non-pathogenic Class I Bacillus strains and environmentally responsible ingredients, while validating their compatibility early in the design process. It starts with developing formulations that use only non-pathogenic Class I Bacillus strains and environmentally responsible ingredients, while validating their compatibility early in the design process. Tailoring microbial blends to specific applications is critical for efficacy while avoiding unnecessary ingredients.
To ensure credibility and compliance, robust validation through third-party testing, transparent strain documentation, and genome data are essential. Operational strategies like shipping concentrated products and sustainable packaging help reduce environmental impact while maintaining safety. Continuous reformulation, regulatory engagement, and customer education further support product effectiveness and adoption.
Genesis Biosciences exemplifies these practices, advocating for pragmatic regulation and consistently updating its product lines to reflect emerging science and sustainability goals.