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2011-12-22

Reduction of phosphorus in detergents

The European Parliament confirmed last week the agreement of the limitation of phosphorus in detergents and dishwasher detergents within EU.

In 2007 Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, supported by BalticSea2020, conducted a project to promote a ban on phosphates in detergents in all countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. By means of this project, Swedish Society for Conservation was hoping to finally be able to influence the EU to prohibit phosphorus in detergents and dishwasher detergents, in order to reduce eutrophication in the Baltic Sea. The decision of EU, regarding the regulation of phosphorus, is therefore of great importance towards a better environment in the sea.

"It is really fantastic that phosphorus finally has been settled on a European level. We hope that this eventually leads to phosphorus-free laundry and dishwasher detergents in the end", says Conrad Stralka, Director BalticSea2020.

Our focus areas

fisheryThe stock of predatory fish is crucial for the state of the Baltic Sea. Therefore, the Foundation worked to ensure that the environmental effects of fishing should be a central part of the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. The Foundation also worked on projects to increase the proportion of predatory fish, such as cod, pike and perch. Read more

eutroEutrophication is caused by emissions of nutrients that come from e.g. agriculture, water treatment plants, sewage and transportation. To find measures that could reduce emissions the Foundation worked on projects in agriculture, industrial animal farms and the coastal zone, to research on measures to catch or bind nutrients. Read more

seagull-informationTo create awareness about the threats and opportunities the Baltic Sea is facing, the Foundation initiated a 10-year media and film project with journalist Folke Rydén and photographer Mattias Klum. The Foundation has also supported Stockholm University Baltic Sea Centre (Baltic Eye), and Baltic Sea Science Center at Skansen. Read more