Scandinavia leads attack on major surfactant

The Danish Environment Protection Agency (EPA) launched a campaign in September asking the public not to buy laundry detergents containing linear alkylbenzene sulphonate (LAS). The Agency is concerned that residues of the surfactant in sewage sludge threaten soil organisms. In the UK, LAS has not so far been identified as an environmental issue, but experience in Sweden - where LAS consumption has been cut by over 95% - shows that consumer pressure can force a switch to alternatives.