GS-
    41

    Hand Cleaners and Hand Sanitizers for Industrial and Institutional Use

    The Green Seal Standard for Hand Cleaners and Hand Sanitizers for Industrial and Institutional Use, GS-41, establishes environmental requirements for industrial heavy-duty hand cleaners and institutional hand cleaners, as well as alcohol-based hand sanitizers intended for use in the industrial and institutional market.

    Recent Revision:

    Green Seal has added standard criteria for alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Visit our Library of Standards Documents to see a complete record of the standard criteria development process. 

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    Resources

    standard revisions

    Latest version:Edition 2.4, June 23, 2022

    Recent Changes:GS-41 underwent corrections and/or clarifications and was re-published on July 26, 2023. For details on the non-substantive changes made to this standard, please see the Standard Documents Library .

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    CRITERIA THAT HELP PRESERVE THE CLIMATE
    Many of the standards for human health, minimizing waste, and ensuring clean water also help preserve the climate:
    • Content limits on volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
    • Limits on phosphorus
    • Reduced/recycled packaging
    RESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS
    Skin Irritation Must not be a skin irritant
    Skin Sensitization Must not be a skin sensitizer
    Volatile Organic Compounds VOC Content < 1%
    Carcinogens Prohibited above 100ppm
    Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Cannot be intentionally added at any level
    Nitrilotriacetic acid Prohibited above 100ppm
    Ethylene Diaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA) Prohibited above 100ppm
    2-Butoxyethanol Prohibited above 100ppm
    Alkylphenol Ethoxylates Prohibited above 100ppm
    Halogenated Organic Solvents Prohibited above 100ppm
    Colorants Must not contain intentionally added metals
    Phthalates Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
    Bisphenol A Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
    Chlorinated Materials Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
    Hexavalent Chromium Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
    Lead Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
    Mercury Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
    Cadmium Must not be intentionally added to primary packaging
    RESTRICTIONS TO PREVENT ADVERSE ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
    Acute Toxicity to Aquatic Life LC50 > 100mg/L for algae, daphnia, or fish
    Aquatic Biodegradability Each organic ingredient must readily biodegrade
    Eutrophication Inorganic phosphates prohibited above 100ppm
    REQUIREMENTS TO PREVENT WASTE
    Plastic Packaging Must be either source-reduced, recyclable, contain at least 25% post-consumer material, or be a refillable packaging with an effective take-back program
    Non-Plastic Packaging Must be either source-reduced, recyclable or contain at least 25% post-consumer material
    Use Labelling Must have detailed instructions for proper use to minimize waste
    Recycling Labelling Plastic packages must be marked with the appropriate Resin Identification Code
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