Melbourne businesses are increasingly looking for cleaning supplies that support their environmental goals. Choosing suitable products starts with understanding the ingredients, packaging and evidence behind environmental claims.
What are green cleaning products?
Green cleaning products are designed to reduce environmental impact. Depending on the product, this may involve biodegradable ingredients, renewable resources, reduced volatile organic compounds, concentrated formulas or packaging that uses recycled material.
The term “green” does not describe one universal standard. Check the specific claims and supporting information for each product rather than relying on the name or colour of the packaging.
What to look for when choosing supplies
- Independent certification: Look for relevant third-party certification, such as Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA), and check which claims it covers.
- Concentrated formulas: Concentrates can reduce packaging used per cleaning task when diluted according to the label.
- Refillable containers: Reusing suitable bottles and dispensers can help reduce single-use packaging.
- Recycled paper products: Consider recycled-content hand towels, tissues and toilet paper where suitable for your workplace.
- Suitable ingredients: Review the product label and safety data sheet, including any handling, ventilation or protective equipment requirements.
Build a practical workplace routine
Start by reviewing the products used most often in your workplace. Identify where a concentrated cleaner, refill system or recycled-content consumable could fit the same task.
Introduce changes in manageable stages. Check that each product suits the surface and cleaning requirements, give staff clear instructions and review its performance before making it part of the regular supply list.
Match the product to the job
A plant-based or environmentally marketed product is not automatically suitable for every surface or safe in every situation. Follow the label for dilution, contact time, storage and disposal. Where disinfection is required, choose a product with an appropriate claim for that task.
Explore our cleaning supplies or contact our team for help finding products for your workplace.
Adapted from Daily Office Supplies’ green cleaning guide, originally published 29 March 2025.
