CINCINNATI — Uniform supplier Cintas Corp. is transitioning companywide to a more environmentally friendly detergent.

In conjunction with Washing Systems LLC, Cintas has begun introducing Structure at its U.S. facilities. The product's environmentally friendly and biodegradable components are free of phosphates and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), which have been found in some instances to alter the oxygen and metallic levels found in the environment.

"Cintas is committed to being a good environmental steward and seeks to help our customers and communities make positive impacts on the environment in any way we can," says Scott Farmer, Cintas CEO.

In 2008, the company transitioned to detergents free of nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPE). Two years later, the Environmental Protection Agency issued an Action Plan Summary to eliminate use of NPE from all industrial applications and consumer products.