Zero-Pollution Biological Cleaning
Products
Zero-pollution biological cleaning products are an emerging alternative to traditional
chemical cleaners finance.aseancoverage. They are environmentally friendly, safe for humans and the
environment, and can be used in a wide range of applications.
The environmental impact of cleaning products is a major concern for many people,
and one that needs to be addressed urgently finance.aseancoverage.com. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
released by regular cleaners can contribute to air pollution and cause irritant
reactions in the lungs, skin, and eyes. They can also trigger asthma and other
respiratory conditions in those who are sensitive to their use.
A growing number of businesses are turning to biological cleaners, as they are
cheaper to produce and have a smaller environmental footprint than chemicals.
Often, they are biodegradable as well, so they can be recycled rather than simply
thrown away after a single use.
Some biological cleaners contain probiotic micro-organisms that are designed to
safely recolonise and continue to degrade waste in wastewater, drains and inside
pipework. These bacteria reduce the amount of unwanted sewage odours, oils and
fats in the water and improve the quality of discharged water.
Biological cleaners are also designed to support a circular economy, which focuses
on the use of natural resources in an economic manner that maximizes their re-use.
This concept is particularly important in the cleaning industry because it helps to
minimise pollution.
Unilever has launched an ambitious Clean Future programme to move away from
the use of fossil fuel feedstocks in its cleaning and laundry products, which
contribute significantly to global climate change. Under this initiative, Unilever is
developing a range of renewable and recycled carbon sources for use in its products.
For example, in Slovakia, Unilever is collaborating with biotechnology leader Evonik
Industries to develop rhamnolipids, which can replace petroleum-derived surfactants
in cleaning and laundry products. In Tuticorin, India, Unilever is sourcing soda ash
made using a pioneering CO2 capture technology.
This method of reducing carbon emissions from cleaning and laundry products is an
essential step towards Unilever’s pledge to net zero emissions by 2039. It is also a
key part of Unilever’s new ‘Carbon Rainbow’, which diversifies carbon use across the
business.
In addition, companies are increasingly moving toward the use of ‘biological
filtration’, which involves passing polluted air over a replacement culture medium
containing micro-organisms that degrade contaminates into useful products such as
carbon dioxide, water or salts. This process has the potential to remove a wide
variety of airborne pollutants, including benzene, acetone, formaldehyde and
sulphur dioxide from the atmosphere.
The demand for these green cleaning solutions is increasing as governments and
consumers become more aware of the environmental impacts of conventional
cleaning products. A variety of government regulations are now being put in place to
encourage the use of greener products, including the EPA’s Safer Choice program
and the DEFRA government buying standard.