Choosing an eco-friendly dishwasher detergent can significantly reduce your household’s environmental footprint. The most sustainable options use plant-based, biodegradable ingredients (no phosphates, chlorine bleach, or synthetic fragrances) and come in plastic-free or easily recyclable packaging. Many also carry reputable eco-certifications (e.g. EPA Safer Choice, EU Ecolabel, USDA BioPreferred, etc.) indicating safer formulas.
Each product’s form, certifications, and packaging are summarized in this comparison table.
| Product (Brand) | Form | Key Certifications | Packaging Sustainability |
| Blueland Dishwasher Tablet | Tablet | EPA Safer Choice; EWG Verified; Cradle-to-Cradle; USDA BioPreferred | Refillable metal tin + compostable refill packs (no PVA wrapping) |
| Dropps Dishwasher Pods | Pod | EPA Safer Choice (Partner of the Year); USDA Biobased (81% formula) | Plastic-free – pods in a compostable cardboard box (no plastic jugs) |
| Seventh Generation Free & Clear (Powder) | Powder | USDA BioBased 87%; EPA Safer Choice; Certified B Corp | Cardboard box (some bio-film liner; 100% recyclable where facilities exist) |
| Dirty Labs Dishwasher Powder | Powder | EPA Safer Choice; USDA BioPreferred; PETA Cruelty-Free & Vegan | Plastic-free – packaged in a recyclable cardboard canister |
| Ecover All-in-One Tablets | Tablet | (cruelty-free); (Plant-based & biodegradable; EU Ecolabel on some products) | 100% recycled cardboard box (some tablets with soluble wrapper) |
| Sonett Tabs (All-Natural) | Tablet | EcoGarantie; CSE Sustainable Economics; Vegan Society | Recyclable carton, no synthetic coating (no phosphates or fragrances) |
| Frosch Dishwasher Tabs (Lemon/Soda) | Tablet | EU Ecolabel certified; Vegan; Cradle-to-Cradle Certified (select products) | Recycled cardboard box/pouch (95% recycled fiber, recyclable) |
| Ecostore Dishwasher Powder | Powder | Environmental Choice (NZ); Certified B Corp; Climate Neutral (operations) | Reusable bottle from sugarcane + recycled plastic (no virgin plastic); recyclable bottle |
Exploring Sustainable Dishwasher Brands
1. Blueland
Website: Shop Blueland
Location: US
Blueland’s dishwasher tablets are made from plant-based and mineral ingredients, leaving out harmful chemicals like phosphates, chlorine bleach, and phthalates. They use enzymes for breaking down grime and oxygen bleach for stain removal. The best part? They’re plastic-free, with no dissolvable film, and come in a recyclable steel “Forever Tin” with compostable paper refills.
For everyday dishwashing, these tablets do a great job. If you’re dealing with tough, baked-on food, you might need a second cycle. But the formula has been updated with double the enzyme power, which helps with grease and makes a noticeable difference in cleaning. Blueland’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the product, they’re certified B Corp and Climate Neutral, working to offset emissions and promote better environmental standards.
People love the refill system, and while the price is a little higher than regular brands, many find the eco-friendly benefits well worth it.
2. Dropps
Website: Shop Dropps
Location: US
Dropps dishwasher pods are made with a plant-derived formula, free of chlorine bleach, dyes, phosphates, phthalates, and parabens. They contain surfactants and enzymes to break down proteins and starches, along with oxygen-based bleaching agents for stain removal. The formula is non-toxic, septic-safe, and cruelty-free, with a focus on biodegradability. However, they do come wrapped in a dissolvable PVA film, which, while plastic-free, has raised concerns about its full biodegradability in wastewater systems.
The cleaning performance of Dropps pods is impressive. They effectively cut through grease, remove baked-on food, and leave dishes sparkling, with minimal residue or film left behind. Independent tests have shown that Dropps compares favorably to major brands, like Cascade, for cleaning power, often at a lower price.
Dropps offers a direct-to-consumer subscription service, delivering pods in bulk with plastic-free, recyclable packaging. Their bulk approach makes the pods affordable, and with subscriptions, customers save around 30%. The company ships carbon-neutral and focuses on waste reduction with minimal packaging. As a Certified B Corporation, Dropps holds strong green credentials, engaging in carbon offsetting and using sustainable practices throughout production.
3. Seventh Generation
Website: Shop Seventh Generation
Location: US
Seventh Generation has long been a trusted name in eco-friendly cleaning, and its dishwasher detergents reflect a strong commitment to plant-based, biodegradable ingredients. The formulas contain no phosphates, chlorine bleach, or synthetic fragrances. Instead, they rely on plant-derived surfactants and enzymes like protease and amylase to break down food residues, and oxygen bleach for stain removal. The Free & Clear Dishwasher Packs are 78% biobased and are USDA certified, making them a solid choice for those who want an effective, non-toxic cleaner.
The cleaning performance of Seventh Generation products is impressive, often matching or surpassing conventional brands like Cascade. While some users note that truly baked-on messes may need a pre-soak, Seventh Generation generally does well with everyday loads. The powder format is especially popular, as it’s not only affordable but also comes with zero plastic waste, making it an eco-conscious choice.
Seventh Generation’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond their products. The brand is a Certified B Corporation and advocates for climate action, ingredient transparency, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. They also use 100% renewable electricity in their Vermont factory and are constantly working towards zero-waste operations. Although the company is now owned by Unilever, Seventh Generation has maintained its strong eco-friendly focus, remaining cruelty-free and committed to social and environmental responsibility.
4. Dirty Labs
Website: Shop Dirty Labs
Location: US
Dirty Labs’ Bio Enzyme Dishwasher Detergent uses a concentrated powder formula that avoids harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, formaldehyde, and synthetic dyes. The formula is made up of mineral-based cleaners, oxygen bleach, and bio-based cleaning agents, including their proprietary Phytolase® enzymes. These enzymes naturally break down stuck-on proteins and starches, providing an effective clean without the use of toxic ingredients. It’s hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and fully septic-safe, and comes fragrance-free (with a lightly scented version available). Dirty Labs’ commitment to sustainability is reflected in their certifications, including EPA Safer Choice and Green Seal.
Packaging is another area where Dirty Labs excels. The powder comes in a recyclable tube canister, with larger refill pouches available, making the packaging completely plastic-free except for the adhesive label. The brand also offers a ceramic refillable dispenser for countertop storage. With a highly concentrated formula, Dirty Labs reduces the need for larger packaging, making it lighter and more efficient to ship. While the pricing is premium… around $0.42 per load—many users feel the cost is justified by the product’s performance and sustainability.
Dirty Labs is committed to green chemistry, using biodegradable ingredients and a waterless manufacturing process that reduces wastewater. The company is Climate Neutral Certified and a member of 1% for the Planet, highlighting their environmental dedication. They also ensure transparency by disclosing their ingredients, including fragrance components, and by avoiding chemicals like polyacrylates that persist in the environment.
5. Ecover
Website: Shop Ecover
Location: (Europe/US)
Ecover dishwasher tablets are designed with a strong focus on biodegradability and non-toxicity, making them a leading choice for eco-conscious consumers. The tablets are phosphate-free, biodegradable, and made with plant-based surfactants and safe minerals like sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, and sodium percarbonate.
They avoid chlorine, formaldehyde, and synthetic dyes, making their products safe for both people and the environment. The company is also committed to cruelty-free practices, as all Ecover products are Leaping Bunny certified. For those looking to minimize waste, Ecover also offers dishwasher powder and gel, with the powder often being more effective. The cost of Ecover is affordable, especially compared to other eco-friendly brands.
Ecover’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the product itself. They’ve been carbon-neutral since 2010, and they use recycled plastic and even plant-based “Plantplastic” for some of their packaging. As a B Corporation, Ecover meets high social and environmental standards. Though the brand has been owned by SC Johnson since 2017, it has maintained its commitment to green practices and transparency in its ingredient sourcing.
6. Sonett
Website: Shop Sonett
Location: Europe
Sonett, a German brand known for its pure ingredients, offers dishwasher tablets made from 100% biodegradable materials. These tablets are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, preservatives, and aggressive chemicals like enzymes, phosphates, and chlorine bleach. Instead, Sonett uses natural mineral and plant-based ingredients, such as sodium carbonate and sodium silicate, to loosen grease and remove stains. The product relies on oxygen bleach for stain removal and uses water-softening agents like sodium citrate and sodium gluconate to prevent limescale buildup.
Sonett’s eco-friendly packaging and commitment to sustainability make it a standout choice. The tablets come in a recycled cardboard box with a plastic-free water-soluble wrapper, and the company uses renewable energy for manufacturing.
Note: Some users have noted that the tablets might leave a slight residue on plastic or in hard water conditions
7. Frosch
Website: Shop Frosch
Location: Europe
Frosch dishwasher tablets are made with plant-derived and mineral ingredients, offering a balance of eco-friendly chemistry and strong cleaning power. They include non-ionic surfactants from plant oils, oxygen-based bleaching agents like sodium percarbonate for stain removal, and enzymes to tackle protein and starch residues. Frosch avoids phosphates, formaldehyde, and borates, using safer alternatives like citrates and biodegradable polymers to reduce limescale and prevent residue build-up. The tablets are phosphate-free, septic-safe, and come in biodegradable PVA film that dissolves during the wash.
The company’s packaging is fully recyclable, using cardboard boxes made from recycled fibers and water-based inks, while the PVA film wrapper is biodegradable. Frosch’s sustainability efforts extend beyond the product itself: the brand’s parent company, Werner & Mertz, uses recycled plastic in other products and operates using green electricity. Frosch is also certified by EMAS (EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) and has received numerous environmental awards.
8. Ecostore
Website: Shop Ecostore
Location: Australia/New Zealand & Int
Ecostore’s Automatic Dishwasher Tablets are designed with a focus on safety, performance, and sustainability. Made from plant and mineral-based ingredients, they feature a blend of surfactants for grease cutting, enzymes for breaking down food soils, and oxygen bleach for stain removal. These tablets are free from phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances, offering both a fragrance-free and a mild citrus version with natural citrus oil.
Ecostore’s commitment to sustainability extends to packaging. The tablets come in a recyclable cardboard box, made from recycled materials, and the PVA film wrapper is biodegradable. The company also uses carbon-negative packaging made from sugarcane for many of their products, showcasing their dedication to reducing environmental impact. Though not offering a subscription service, Ecostore’s packaging is designed to minimize waste, and bulk purchase options help reduce packaging further.
Ecostore’s reputation is built on its consistent delivery of both eco-friendly and highly effective products. It holds B Corp certification, uses renewable energy in manufacturing, and strives for continuous improvement in both product and packaging sustainability. While slightly pricier than mainstream brands, many customers find it’s worth the investment for a product that cleans well, supports green practices, and is gentle on the environment.