Walk down the laundry aisle and you’ll see all kinds of claims: eco detergent, plastic-free, microplastic-free. They sound similar, but they actually mean different things. And when it comes to making conscious choices, the difference matters.
At House of Mabangó, we’ve learned a lot while developing our own products. From detergent sheets to sprays and beyond. Here’s how we look at it.
What Does Microplastic-Free Mean?
Microplastics are tiny plastic particles that don’t fully break down in nature. Some laundry products use polymers (like PVA) that dissolve in water but may leave behind residues considered microplastics.
A microplastic-free detergent is one that’s designed to biodegrade completely, without leaving persistent particles behind. This matters because microplastics are increasingly found in waterways, oceans, and even our bodies.
Why the Distinction Matters
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Plastic-free → mostly about packaging.
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Microplastic-free → about what happens in the water after you wash.
For example: a detergent strip in a paper box may be plastic-free on the outside, but if it’s made with PVA, it’s not microplastic-free.
Our Perspective at House of Mabangó
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. For us, it’s about thoughtful choices at every step:
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Our detergent sheets are made with plant-based surfactants and without PVA, so they’re microplastic-free and biodegradable.
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For other products, like sprays and perfumes, we sometimes choose bottles made of recyclable plastic because sometimes plastic is still the safest and most functional option.
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All of our cartons use FSC-certified paper from responsibly managed forests.
We don’t claim to be 100% plastic-free, because that wouldn’t be honest. What we do promise: every decision is made with care for your skin, your laundry rituals, and the planet.
The Bottom Line
Both plastic-free and microplastic-free are important in the world of sustainable laundry but they’re not the same. The key is transparency and balance: knowing what’s inside, how it’s packaged, and the impact it leaves behind.
At House of Mabangó, we put skin-friendly first, planet-conscious second, and transparency always. Because clean laundry should feel good in more ways than one.
