In today’s industrial landscape, the effectiveness of a cleaner can no longer be measured solely by its ability to remove grease, industrial residues, or resins. A company’s competitiveness depends, above all, on its capacity to integrate processes that protect its most valuable asset: its people. Furthermore, the transition toward a more sustainable industry is no longer just an ethical choice; it is a demand from our clients and society as a whole. For this reason, AITANA CHEMICALS has spent years championing solvent-free cleaners.
Solvent-Free Cleaners: A Hazard-Free Working Environment
The European Union’s regulatory framework—driven by the REACH Regulation and the Chemical Agents Directive (98/24/EC)—is drastically reducing Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs). Traditional cleaners based on methylene chloride, MEK, acetone, styrene, and similar substances are ticking time bombs for both health and regulatory compliance. It is estimated that skin diseases account for up to 25% of all occupational illnesses in the EU, many of which stem from the use of solvents such as trichloroethylene*.
*Source: EU-OSHA (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work)
The solvent-free cleaners from AITANA CHEMICALS guarantee a healthy and safe working environment:
- Hazard-Free Formulation: These products contain no hazard statements (H-phrases) or precautionary statements (P-phrases). Thanks to that, we drastically minimise the risk of chronic dermatological and respiratory occupational diseases resulting from the inhalation of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).
- Non-Flammable: Ideal for use in explosive atmospheres. They allow for conventional storage without the need for fire-rated cabinets or stringent chemical storage (APQ) measures.
Why is the Switch to Solvent-Free Cleaners Profitable?
- Enhanced Fire Safety – Reduced Insurance Premiums. Eliminating flammable products reduces industrial insurance premiums and simplifies compliance with ATEX regulations (equipment and environments with explosive risks).
- Savings on Protective Prevention Equipment and Extraction Systems. By eliminating VOCs, the need for costly extraction systems and high-end specialised PPE is reduced. In addition, these products are free from unpleasant odours that negatively impact the workplace climate.
- Increased Productivity. Companies that have migrated to solvent-free technologies report a 15% reduction in workplace absenteeism related to respiratory and dermatological issues*.
*Source: EU-OSHA
- Lower Waste Management Costs. Traditional solvents generate hazardous waste with high disposal fees. Our solvent-free cleaners significantly simplify waste treatment processes.
- Faster and Deeper Cleaning. As they are non-flammable, solvent-free cleaners allow for the use of mechanical aids (electric brushes, pressure washers, ultrasonic cleaners). This not only makes the cleaning process safer but also considerably faster and more thorough.
Conclusion
The future of industrial cleaning lies in solvent-free solutions. This is driven both by an increasingly restrictive regulatory framework and by the direct benefits these products bring to a company’s bottom line. The path toward sustainability and a “green industry” is a social requirement that carries ever-growing weight in corporate decision-making (ESG objectives).
At AITANA CHEMICALS, we have spent years working toward a sustainable industry based on biodegradable products. If you would like to trial our solvent-free cleaners, please do not hesitate to contact us.
To learn more about our range of mold cleaning solutions, we recommend reading our full article on this topic.
