Huge carbon footprint of chemicals in UK household products revealed

The production of laundry tablets and their breakdown in sewage works contributes the equivalent UK emissions of 600,000 cars a year, says the report. Photograph: Alamy

Chemicals used in everyday household items from washing-up liquid to laundry tablets are a huge hidden source of carbon emissions, according to a report.

The thinktank Green Alliance is calling on UK ministers to lead a green revolution in chemical manufacturing to cut the carbon footprint of everyday consumer products.