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Polyphosphates, primarily sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) are highly effective multi-function components for laundry and dishwasher detergents and in various specialist cleaning products for specific industrial and commercial applications. In Europe, phosphates are used in detergents for hospitals and for commercial and institutional laundries where very high levels of washing performance and hygiene are necessary. In detergents, phosphates fulfil a number of different functions, so that if they are not used several different chemicals must be added to replace them. Polyphosphates are also used in various industrial and technical applications, in particular in ceramics, and are an authorised food ingredient.

Polyphosphates are based on the element Phosphorus, which is essential for all living organisms, plants, animals and man. Phosphates are present in sewage from both detergents and (the main source) from human foods, transferred into human wastes; and also in animal manures, food industry wastes. Phosphates can be recovered from these sources and recycled back into industry, into fertilisers or into detergents. Pilot projects have shown this to be feasible, and a number of full scale installations are now operational. This makes phosphates, today, the only recyclable ingredient of detergents.

CEEP, the joint research association of the European detergent and industrial polyphosphates industry now operates as part of PAPA (the European Phosphoric Acid and Phosphates Producers Association), a Cefic Sector Group.