Industrial Solvents – Finding Greener Alternatives
A solvent is a type of liquid capable of dissolving another substance without becoming chemically altered itself. Industrial solvents are organic or inorganic compounds designed to dissolve, carry, or disperse unwanted contaminants from the surface of equipment, floors, or parts. These contaminants can be a solid, gas, or another type of liquid depending on what is being cleaned. Many cleaning agents are dangerous to humans, animals, and the environment when handled or disposed of inappropriately. Absorption through the skin often leads to rapid entry into the bloodstream and harm to the central nervous system or individual organs such as the kidneys. Additionally, numerous industrial solvents are not biodegradable and their release into the atmosphere results in direct environmental harm. Non-biodegradable products have become a major contributor to air, water, and soil pollution, which directly affects every living organism in the immediate area. Businesses requiring industrial solvents to accomplish daily tasks should seek greener alternatives to prevent individual harm and pollution.
Why Is Switching To Eco-Friendly Products Important?
The decision to use eco-friendly industrial solvents allows a business to decrease their carbon footprint, experience financial gains, and create a better company image. Environmental Protection Agency regulations for toxic contaminant removal agents have increased tenfold and companies using eco-friendly industrial solvents are more likely to meet these stringent requirements. Biodegradable, eco-friendly products offer the most cost savings for waste removal; however, this solution does not work for every company. Switching to an environmentally friendly solvent will supply a noticeable cost reduction for waste removal. The change also allows a business to develop emission credits, which boosts the bottom line and makes it possible to trade with companies in need of these credits. Finally, greener alternatives lessen the risk of dealing with lawsuits related to individual or environmental exposure to toxic materials.
Solvents are frequently used by businesses to create products, clean or degrease machinery, prepare surfaces for finishing processes, or to facilitate chemical reactions. These products create a dangerous setting for workers and pose harm to the environment. Organic solvents are toxic to the handler or when inappropriately released into the atmosphere, soil, or water. Certain industries such as aviation require traditional products to remove contaminants from heavily oiled parts, hard to dry items, or pieces with complex shapes. Electronics require specific material compatibility to avoid harm or a non-corrosive solution. Companies without these requirements are able to switch to greener alternatives capable of providing the same results without the toxicity concerns. Eco-friendly practices not only reduce process costs, but also make it easier to conserve energy. A business should begin by evaluating greener alternatives in regards to their capability of supplying equivalent results. Innovations have made this switch less costly, more reliable, and basically worry free. By making the decision to use greener alternatives, companies can create a safer working environment and drastically reduce operational costs while ensuring a better future for the planet.
Industrial solvents are necessary in a number of industries and play a pivotal safety role. For more information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.
