Cobalt is a chemical element that is one of the essential materials used to create the lithium-ion battery that’s used in everything from remotes to computers. However, the popularity of this element is decreasing due to how expensive it is. Many manufacturers are making the switch to cobalt-free batteries that work just as well if not better than batteries with this material.

While cost is one of the main reasons manufacturers are choosing batteries without cobalt, environmental reasons are also important. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the benefits of cobalt-free batteries for the environment. 

What Are the Benefits of Using Batteries Without Cobalt?

Cobalt mines exist in several parts of the world and are extremely damaging to the environment. Mining releases large quantities of carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide emissions into the air, which is dangerous to all living beings—including humans. Those who live near or work in a cobalt mine are put at a higher risk of excess exposure and serious consequences to their health.  

When companies use less harmful materials to create cobalt-free batteries, they are helping… 

• Reduce harmful emissions into the environment 
• Reduce risk to workers’ health 
• Ensure little to no battery shortages 
• Create products with longer battery life 

One of the less toxic elements that are replacing cobalt in more eco-friendly batteries is manganese. Here are some of the reasons why manganese-based batteries are a better choice: 

• Lower cost 
• Mined ethically 
• Cause little to no damage to the environment 

Since cobalt batteries have been used for several years, it’ll take time for some companies to jump on board and switch to greener alternatives. However, many car companies are beginning to implement eco-friendly battery options into their manufacturing processes, showing other companies that it’s possible to make the switch. 

Are you Looking for Eco-Friendly Chemicals for Your Company?   

Let Ecolink be your trusted chemical provider. For decades, we’ve supplied companies with greener chemical alternatives in bulk quantities. Want to learn more about how our products can help your business? Reach out to us today for a free consultation! 

Hundreds of companies and workers around the world depend on paint removing chemicals to strip various coatings from desired surfaces, whether to check for cracks beneath paints or to revamp an old paint job. Sadly, a majority of these paint strippers are highly toxic and harmful to both the environment and the workers using them, as the main ingredient in them is dichloromethane, also known as methylene chloride.  

To learn more about the negative effects of dichloromethane and how to find a safer alternative for your paint and coating removal needs, read on. 

Why Is Dichloromethane Unsafe?  

Though effective as a paint stripping chemical, dichloromethane presents multiple risks to human health and the environment, including but not limited to: 

• Respiratory irritation 
• Severe eye irritation 
• Reproductive toxicity 
• Neurotoxin, meaning it can potentially damage the brain and central nervous system 
• Likely to be a carcinogen, as studies have shown high exposure levels can cause lung and liver cancer 
• Contributes to ozone depletion 

Why Should I Use Safe Strip Paint Remover Instead? 

Some may believe that eco-friendly paint removers are not as effective as traditional paint removing chemicals, but this is not the case with a product like Safe Strip, which balances the effective performance of traditional paint strippers and environmentally/worker friendly characteristics.  

Utilizing Safe Strip paint remover over other harmful paint removers provides many beneficial characteristics: 

• Biodegradable 
• Recyclable 
• Non-flammable 
• Low VOC emissions 
• No ozone-depleting components 
• Removes coatings in only one step 
• Effective on all coatings, even epoxy and polyurethane resins 
• Powerful performance, comparable to dichloromethane and MEK 
• Significantly lower Inhalation Hazard Index than dichloromethane, making it much safer for both industrial and commercial applications 
• Can be utilized in gun cleaning tanks, immersion tanks, or as a brush-on, rinse-off solvent 

With these desirable qualities, companies no longer need to choose between quality and worker safety when looking for a paint remover.  

Looking to Purchase an Eco-Friendly Coating/Paint Remover? 

If you are looking to purchase Safe Strip for your business or industrial needs, you are in the perfect place! Here at Ecolink, we provide chemicals for companies looking to create safer work environments without compromising quality.  

Click here to check out the Safe Strip product page and purchase, or reach out to specialized staff with any questions. We offer a free quote and consultation to help your company find the chemicals and quantities perfect for your needs!