An alternative to APEO processing chemicals for cotton fabric pre-treatment and after-treatment production in the textile industry for home textile products

Abstract

This case story describes the substitution of chemicals containing alkylphenolethoxylates (APEO) in cotton processing in the Indian textile industry using alcohol ethoxylate surfactants.

1. Alkylphenol Ethoxylates (APEOs)

   CAS No.  EC No.  Index No. 
   
   Chemical group 
   

   Classification
   The substance has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation)
   » Search ECHA’s Classification and Labelling Inventory

Alternative substance(s)

1. Fatty alcohol ethoxylate

   CAS No.  EC No.  Index No. 
   
   Chemical group 
   Other adverse effects 

   Classification
   The substance has no harmonised classification according to Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP Regulation)
   » Search ECHA’s Classification and Labelling Inventory

Other type of alternative

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Hazard assessment

According to the user’s declaration, alternative chemicals are not listed on the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC). The alternative 1 is not classified as hazardous. The alternative 2 is classified as H318 – causes serious eye damage, H302 – harmful if swallowed, and H412 harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects.

» Check the Substance Database according to SUBSPORT Screening Criteria (SDSC)

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Substitution description

HOME-COLOUR TEXTILES, a supplier of home textile fabrics for the retailer ALDI, performed a proactive substitution of APEO containing detergents in cotton processing for home textiles since 2012. Due to that performance in R&D and purchasing actions, the company could manage to reduce the APEO content in the wastewater and sludge to 0 findings. The company proved that an APEO-free cotton production for home textiles is possible, manageable and stabile.

Cotton processing require a large service interaction between the chemical supplier and the fabric producer. Machines, processes, chemicals, fabrics and volumes have to been managed in a close and most efficient communication to gain the highest product and process efficiency and results.

HOME-COLOUR TEXTILES is based on sustainability and best practice R&D and management in the production and all related activities and departments; the company used and uses APEO-free detergents for their cotton wet-processes.

HOME-COLOUR TEXTILES faced no disadvantages in their products, production or quality due to the use of APEO-free detergents. The costs have been not affected. To continue on the sustainable cotton-processing path, the company has established a management system also in the purchasing department to purchase state-of-the-art and best available technology with respect to the company policy, culture and customer demands.

Process-Example:
Standard cotton pre-treatment process with APEO free detergents

Exhaust Process in Jet:
1) Desizing:
0,5 – 1,0 g/l Enzyme
1 g/l Detergent
90 to 98 degree Celsius
30 min
Hot rinsing
2) Bleaching:
1 – 2 g/l Detergent
0,5 – 2 g/l Stabiliser
Caustic soda
Hydrogen peroxide
Boiling temperatures 30 to 60 min
Wash of hot and cold
Neutralize

Continuous Processes:
A) Pad Steam machine
1 – 2 g/l Enzyme
2 – 5 g/l Detergent
Impregnation at 60 to 80 degree Celsius
Steaming 1 to 3 min 100 Degree
Wash off on open width washing machine
B) Open Width Washing machine
1 – 2 g/l Enzyme
2 – 5 g/l Detergent
Dose in 1st and 2nd wash box at 95 – 98 degree Celsius
Wash off 3rd 4th and 5th wash boxes at 95 – 98 degree Celsius
Rinse at other wash boxes at 80 to 60 degree Celsius

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Case/substitution evaluation

This case story from a producer describes substitution of chemicals containing alkylphenolethoxylates (APEO) in cotton processing in the textile industry using alcohol ethoxylate surfactants. It was not possible to perform a full hazard assessment of alternative chemicals as the full compositions are unknown to SUBSPORT. According to the user’s declaration, alternative chemicals are not listed on the SDSC.

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Other solutions

Other APEO-free detergents can be found at: www.tanatexchemicals.com, www.archroma.com, www.cht.com, www.rudolf.de

Further information

MSDS of the alternative product 1

MSDS of the alternative product 2

Further languages available

Who provided the information

Type of information supplier
Producer / distributor

Contact 

Heinrich Becker
HeinrichBecker@milesgroup.eu
Senior Manager Quality / MILES GMBH Harckesheyde 91-93 | 22844 Norderstedt | Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 40 94364-289 | Fax: +49 (0)40 94364-4289 | Mob: +49 (0)174 33 63 289

Publication source

Type of publication and availability 

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Publication or last update: 18.04.2017