Keywords
Citation
(2006), "Cognis' environmentally friendly surfactant systems win environmental award", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 53 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2006.12853eab.019
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Cognis' environmentally friendly surfactant systems win environmental award
Cognis' environmentally friendly surfactant systems win environmental award
Keywords: Environmental management, Performance measurement (quality)
Cognis, Monheim, Germany, has received the 2005/2006 “Umweltschutzpreis” environmental award from the Federation of German Industries (BDI) in recognition of its Disponil brand AFX surfactant systems. Disponil AFX won in the “Environmentally Friendly Products” category.
In Europe, 75,000 metric tons of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) are used every year in technical applications. Some 11,000 metric tons of this figure are accounted for in the emulsion-polymerization processes used to produce polymer dispersions, which are themselves vital ingredients in aqueous coatings, varnishes, adhesives, and leather, paper and textile coatings. In 2003, the EU announced new legislation prohibiting the use of nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs), the largest APEO subgroup, in virtually all applications that have a direct effect on the environment. With regard to other applications, primarily those in industrial processes, the European Commission has implemented a risk-reduction strategy. However, regulators are not the only source of pressure on companies to behave in a socially responsible way – this is something that consumers are demanding, too.
Cognis' aromatic-free Disponil AFX surfactant systems represent a green alternative to the use of NPEOs in emulsion-polymerization processes. The use of alternative products to NPEOs brings manufacturers in the position to apply for environmental certifications, such as the EU Ecolabel for paints and varnishes used in domestic interior decoration. Disponil AFX is made from renewable raw materials and is fully biodegradable, but is comparable to NPEOs in terms of both cost- effectiveness and performance. As well as the environmental benefits, Disponil AFX is also less toxicologically harmful than NPEOs thereby helping to improve the health and safety of users.