Cleaning Industry is Shifting Toward Green Alternatives

The household, industrial, and institutional (HI&I) cleaning industry has witnessed a rapid shift toward eco-friendly alternatives such as bio-based chemicals amid growing consumer awareness about sustainability.

The cleaning industry covers a broad range of products — from household cleaners to industrial sanitizers, which are vital for public health and hygiene.

However, with increased environmental understanding and evolving consumer preferences, the focus is now on sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives in this industry. Bio-based chemicals offer a safer and more sustainable solution.

Risks and Hazards Associated with Traditional Cleaning Products

The side effects of conventional chemicals range from headaches, throat and eye irritation, and even asthma.

Moreover, prolonged exposure to common cleaning chemicals can lead to severe health risks such as asthma, congenital disabilities, chemical burns, and even poisoning. The lack of ingredient transparency in many cleaning products further complicates measures to avoid potential health hazards. These risks underscore the need for safer and eco-friendly cleaning alternatives.

Environmental Bans and Proposed Regulations

Trichloroethylene (TCE):

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recommended a prohibition on the use of TCE in common cleaning applications, citing “unreasonable risk” to public health, with documented links to cancer and potential adverse effects on the immune and reproductive systems. The chemical is commonly employed as a solvent in the dry cleaning and rubber production industries.

Butylphenyl Methylpropional (Lilial) and Isothiazolinones (MI and MCI):

Concerns related to allergenicity, and infertility have led to the proposed ban on Lilial in the European Union.

Meanwhile, despite being banned in the EU and Australia, MI and MCI continue to be legally used in the U.S. These chemicals are used mainly in cleaning wipes and dishwashing liquids.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS):

Different states in the U.S. are enacting bans and restrictions on PFAS in diverse products to counteract their prolonged environmental presence and the correlated health hazards, notably cancer. PFAS, constituting a multitude of chemicals valued for their stain-repellent and waterproofing attributes, are the focus of these regulatory measures.

Perchloroethylene (PCE):

The EPA is recommending a prohibition on most consumer applications of PCE, a solvent found in cleaning and dry-cleaning products, citing severe health hazards such as neurotoxicity and cancer. PCE is extensively utilized in the dry-cleaning industry.

N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP):

EPA identifies adverse health effects from NMP, including fetal loss and reduced fertility. The EPA is developing a proposed rule to regulate NMP, aiming to eliminate its unreasonable health risk. NMP is generally used in floor and surface cleaning.

Some other banned common chemicals/chemical groups include:

Phthalates:

Often found in fragranced household products such as air fresheners and dish soap. They are known as endocrine disruptors.

Perchloroethylene (PERC):

A neurotoxin, PERC is the main ingredient in most dry-cleaning solutions.

Triclosan:

Found in most liquid dishwashing detergents and hand soaps labelled “antibacterial,” triclosan is an aggressive antibacterial agent that can promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria.

2-Butoxyethanol:

Common in window, kitchen, and multipurpose cleaners, 2-butoxyethanol can cause sore throats, narcosis, and severe liver and kidney damage.

Benefits of Bio and Green Chemicals

Bio-cleaning chemicals offer a multitude of benefits.

Environmentally, they break down into harmless substances. These products improve air and water quality, reducing health risks and accidents.

Economically, embracing these alternatives reduces production costs, conserves water and energy, lowers healthcare expenses, ensures regulatory compliance, attracts eco-conscious consumers and stimulates job creation and innovation in the clean technology sector, ultimately boosting sales and brand value.

Bio-based Cleaning Agents

Certifications and Standards: Navigating the Green Cleaning Landscape

Several certifications, such as Green Seal, ECOLOGO, and EPA Safer Choice, guide consumers toward eco-friendly cleaning products. These certifications ensure reduced toxicity, lower VOC content, minimized pollution, and overall sustainability, assuring a product's environmental credentials.

Challenges and Future Trends in the Bio-Based Cleaning Industry

The bio-based chemical industry is experiencing exponential growth, driven by decarbonization initiatives globally.

However, amidst this growth, the industry faces challenges such as greenwashing, where products falsely claim to be eco-friendly.

Scrutinizing specific claims and fostering transparency are crucial in combating this challenge.

Additionally, transitioning from fossil-based to renewable-based economies requires sustained efforts in research, innovation, and strategic investments.

Conclusion

The incorporation of bio-based chemicals in household cleaning products represents a significant stride towards a greener future. Armed with knowledge about these eco-friendly alternatives and certifications, consumers can actively contribute to a cleaner, healthier planet. As the HI&I cleaning industry continues to evolve, staying informed and making conscious choices will shape a more sustainable tomorrow.

Authors: Shubham Bisht, Manoj Kumar Palani and Sahil Patil