Biobased products — those that are derived from plant or animal feedstock — include cleaners, degreasers and solvents. A solvent is defined as a solid, liquid or gas that dissolves another solid, liquid or gas, resulting in a substance that is able to be dissolved.

Common uses for solvents in the cleaning industry are spot removers and detergents. Biobased solvents contain derivatives including methyl soyate, or soybeans; ethyl lactate (formed from lactic acid and ethanol, made from processing corn); and D-Limonene (citrus rind oil). Products containing these solvents perform quite well compared to their traditional counterparts, and D-Limonene is particularly effective on tough degreasing jobs.

Reduced toxicity, biodegradability, low volatile organic compounds (VOC), worker safety and environmental friendliness are among the advantages of using biobased solvents.


posted on 6/14/2011