Green products 'can contain petroleum-based substances'

Laboratory products have helped to reveal that some items advertised as 'green' may contain ingredients derived from petroleum.

Revealed at the 241st National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society, scientists have employed carbon-dating techniques to test various common household products.

Cara A M Bondi and her fellows divulged the news, which was uncovered after products such as washing up liquid and laundry detergent had been analysed.

"Significant variation" was seen in the levels of carbon sourced from plants, with some products that claimed to be entirely free of petrochemicals containing over 30 per cent petroleum-derived carbon.

"Even though 'green' claims are made on package labels or in advertisements, these claims are not necessarily an indication of where the carbon in these products is coming from," comments Ms Bondi.

Recently, spokesman for the Centre of Alternative Technology Alex Randell claimed that businesses need to show eco-conscious consumers the steps they are taking to reduce emissions.

Should they choose not to do so, people will not believe that green changes are being made, he added.