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Industrial Cleaners That are Eco-friendly

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Cleaning agents in the forms of liquids, sprays, powders, or granules simplify the removal of contaminants on surfaces during many industrial processes. It has been common for companies to rely on organic solvents with carbon as part of their chemical solution to eliminate undesirable contaminants; however, these chemicals have raised much concern about worker and environmental safety. The development of eco-friendly industrial cleaners has increased as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations buckle down on the use of dangerous solvents and consumers demand companies to utilize safer solutions. Companies desiring to “go green” have the option of selecting environmentally preferred or natural agents with little to no Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) and Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAP’s).

What Are the Cost Benefits of “Going Green”?

Eco-friendly industrial cleaners deliver several benefits to businesses using these products for meeting cleaning or degreasing requirements. Cost savings is one of the biggest advantages and a safer cleaning agent can help your bottom line in these expense areas:

  • Purchasing
  • Shipping
  • Storage
  • Facility Operations
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Worker Safety

A safe alternative to traditionally applied hazardous materials allows purchasing, shipping, and storage costs to be reduced as the agent can be bulk purchased in its concentrated form. Additionally, the choice to switch to green chemicals decreases the amount of hazardous materials residing in the workplace and limits worker exposure to harsh chemicals. Insurance costs are also reduced because the switch prevents workers from developing serious health conditions caused by chemical exposure.

Tips for Selecting the Right Cleaning Agent

Eco-friendly cleaners can be found just about anywhere these days as regulations and consumer awareness of the dangers of toxic chemicals have increased. A number of characteristics contribute to the eco-friendliness of a product; however, the industrial process to be performed, type of contaminant, and involved equipment will be major decision factors when making the switch to green cleaners. Here are a few things to consider before choosing a safe alternative for your business:

  • Is the industrial cleaner biodegradable?
  • Does the manufacturer use eco-friendly manufacturing processes?
  • Does the solution contain hazardous materials?
  • Does it contain “All Natural” ingredients?
  • Is it water-based or derived from natural sources?
  • Does the cleaner contain VOC’s?
  • Does it emit HAP’s?

It is easy for companies to say their product is eco-friendly, but your keen eye will be required to ensure the safest option is being selected. Some cleaners fall in the environmentally preferred category meaning the ingredients meet the defined standards of the EPA, but are not completely natural. An environmentally preferred choice is a great secondary option when an “All Natural” cleaner does not meet specific industrial needs. Make certain you read the list of ingredients before choosing an alternative for your business. Several eco-friendly industrial cleaners have been made available for degreasing, equipment maintenance, general cleaning, and production processes. Contact an industrial cleaner manufacturer today to learn more about what eco-friendly products are available for meeting your specific business needs.

Industrial Cleaners with eco-friendly qualities decrease costs and play a pivotal safety role in the workplace. For additional information about environmentally friendly, low VOC products, please call (800) 886-8240 or email info@ecolink.com.

Industrial Solvents – Finding Greener Alternatives

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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.