The environmental load due to detergents is assessable either with pro
duct data or with ecological data of the ingredients. Depending on the
biodegradability and on the toxicity, the detergents are classified t
hen under ''slightly'' ''averagely'' or ''heavily'' polluting categori
es. Referring to Swiss conditions, product behaviour in sewage treatme
nt plants is classified. A less than or equal to 80% biological degrad
ability and a 10 mg/l ecotoxicity limit represent the critical values
for products. If more than 1% volatile ingredients are present, the cr
itical air volumes of 700 m(3)/kg product, resp. 2000 m(3)/kg product
are also considered as decision-making criteria. The present method re
presents a pragmatic further development and/or improvement of current
assessment systems It is to be noted that the possibility of estimati
ng the ecological behaviour of a product on the basis of its formulati
on will allow to lower the developing costs.