Environmentally friendly softeners typically possess the following characteristics:

1. Non-toxic and Harmless
   The primary characteristic of environmentally friendly softeners is their non-toxic and harmless nature. This means that during production, use, and disposal, the softener does not pose any harm to human health or the environment. Specifically, it should not contain any toxic, harmful, or carcinogenic substances, and should be able to decompose rapidly after use, without causing long-term pollution to the environment.

2. High Biodegradability
   High biodegradability is another important feature of environmentally friendly softeners. These softeners can be quickly decomposed by microorganisms in the natural environment, converting into harmless or low-toxic substances, thereby reducing their negative impact on the environment. This characteristic allows the softener to be naturally degraded after use, without causing environmental pollution.

3. Low Environmental Risk
   Environmentally friendly softeners should minimize environmental risks during production and use. For example, they should reduce the emission of harmful gases, lower energy consumption, and reduce pollution to water resources. In addition, these softeners should have low ecological toxicity and not cause harm to aquatic organisms and soil microorganisms.

4. Sustainability and Environmental Certification
   Environmentally friendly softeners often align with the concept of sustainability, which means meeting current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Furthermore, these softeners may obtain relevant environmental certifications, such as OEKO-TEX, ECOCERT, etc., to prove that their environmental performance meets international standards.

In summary, environmentally friendly softeners should possess the characteristics of being non-toxic and harmless, highly biodegradable, low in environmental risk, and sustainable with environmental certification. When choosing softeners, consumers should prioritize these characteristics to support the concept of environmental protection and sustainable development. At the same time, companies should actively research and promote environmentally friendly softeners to meet market demand and drive the green development of the industry.