I&I Market Update
The economic downturn has consumers trading down when it comes to eating out, and the credit crunch is sure to put a damper on new business startups. But savvy I&I marketers are readjusting their game plans to get through tough times. Looking for a new ingredient for your I&I cleaner? A list of them can be found at the end of this article.
Tom Branna
Editorial Director
Fasten your seatbelts. we’re in for a bumpy ride. With the U.S. economy in recession, the credit crunch widening into a crisis and unemployment figures growing, there’s no doubt that the normally resilient industrial and institutional cleaning market will go through some trying times in the months ahead. Still, to borrow a concept from billionaire investor Warren Buffet, industry executives should sleep better at night knowing that millions of facilities around the world still need I&I staples like disinfecting hard surface cleaners and floor wax. Still, the recent $700 billion bailout of U.S. financial institutions has everyone certain that this recession is different than previous downturns.
“This recession is fundamentally different from the slowdown that occurred after the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11,” observed Jim Beard, president of State Cleaning Solutions. “No one understands yet how easy or hard the recovery will be.”
Wary industry executives are being cautious about where they invest their resources during the next few quarters. After all, companies are still getting a handle on raw material pricing.
Kline & Company puts the U.S. I&I market at $10.8 billion. More specifically, the market breaks out like this:
• Food service: $2.1 billion;
• Janitorial: $3.5 billion;
• Industrial: $3.0 billion;
• Food processing: $1.3 billion and
• Laundry: $900 million.
That’s ahead of last year, but Bruce Boynick, a Kline analyst, noted that a big portion of gains in the past several years can be attributed to significant price increases, driven by an unprecedented spike in raw material costs.
“Going forward, we confront a tenuous economic climate that dampens industry outlook; at this point we don’t know how long and how deep this recession will be,” said Mr. Boynick.
A Crisis for Small Business
For marketers of I&I products, the credit crunch could make it impossible for startups and small businesses to get the capital they need to keep their doors open. That’s why many I&I companies are focused on serving the customers that they do have and trying to gain market share by surrounding existing customers with the services that they need.
“We have to take care of the customers that we already have since it’s going to be tough for a while,” explained Mr. Beard. “Service is the No. 1 issue for the market.”
In a recent presentation to analysts, Ecolab chairman and CEO Doug Baker noted that end markets haven’t been healthy all year. To compensate for that, Ecolab is getting more aggressive in finding new business.
“For 2009, we’re expecting the worst and hoping that we’re wrong,” he added.
Analysts certainly agree with Mr. Baker’s assessment.
“If we are entering a recession and if it’s a long one, one or two years, then we will likely endure difficulty in core sectors, such as food service,” said Mr. Boynick. “People eat out less and trade down from full- to fast-service establishments.”
Last month, Kline published a new report, Food Service Cleaning Products 2008, that takes a detailed look at the category. As the chart below clearly shows, full-service restaurants dominate demand for cleaning products. Thus, when full-service restaurants suffer, the whole category can feel the effects.
According to the National Restaurant Association, industry performance re- mained soft in August, keeping the association’s comprehensive index of restaurant activity below 100 for the 10th consecutive month.
“The recent lack of change in the Restaurant Performance Index reflects the wait-and-see sentiment in the financial markets and overall economy,” said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research and information services for the association, in a statement. “Restaurant operators reported negative same-store sales for the eighth time in the last 10 months, and their outlook for sales growth in the months ahead remains uncertain.”
With food service declining, it’s reasonable to assume that the travel and lodging industry will take a hit as well. Still, in 2007, the U.S. lodging industry posted its best year ever, with pretax profits rising 5.2% to $28 billion and sales up 4.4% to $139.4 billion.
“The positive numbers leads us to believe that despite the country’s fluctuating economy, interest from both U.S. and international travelers has and will continue to translate into real dollars supporting a robust tourism product,” according to Joseph A. McInerney, president of the American Hotel & Lodging Association. “Sizable increases on these fronts, which define our success, indicate the tourism industry remains a formidable competitor in the face of economic recession, and will continue to thrive in its place as the third-largest retail industry in the U.S. Americans have shown they believe that travel is a right, not a luxury.”
Brave words, to be sure, but as businesses review travel expenses and families rethink vacations, the market for cleaning products for the hospitality sector is sure to soften.
“Economic slowdowns usually translate into lower restaurant patronage rates, less use of commercial laundries and dry cleaners, less business and recreational travel and more people washing their own cars,” explained Mike Richardson, an analyst with the Freedonia Group, which recently published a report titled, I&I Cleaning Chemicals to 2012.
According to Freedonia, U.S. demand for I&I cleaning chemicals will grow 3.4% annually through 2012. Food safety concerns will boost demand in key food-related markets. Products that are effective, easy to use and safer for the environment have the best prospects, while formulations using biodegradable components will do well yet remain a smaller segment.
Although Freedonia tends to shy away from company-specific forecasts, Mr. Richardson noted that Ecolab is in very good shape by virtue of the wider net it casts within the industry.
“If there’s a sudden growth niche, it’s a safe bet that they’re already there,” he observed.
In contrast, Mr. Richardson pointed out that JohnsonDiversey has withdrawn from a few of the larger segments, such as warewashing and commercial laundry.
While some end-markets may take a big hit, in settings such as offices and retail outlets, the impact is likely to be less severe, according to Mr. Richardson.
“After all, offices and stores need to be cleaned, but belt-tightening options are often taken more seriously in an economic climate like this,” said Mr. Richardson. “That doesn’t usually lead to a reduction in cleaning, but it can lead to use of less expensive products.”
Some Good News Too
That’s the bad news. The good news is that the institutional segment will be buffered somewhat by the fact that demand is influenced more by other factors, such as trends in population and household formation, school enrollment, prison population and hospitalization rates, Mr. Richardson told Happi. He added that the health care segment probably offers the best growth prospects in the next few years.
“Continued increases in average age of the U.S. population suggest greater use of hospitals, clinics, nursing homes and other medical facilities,” explained Mr. Richardson. “In 2008, the baby boomers ranged in age from 44 to 62. In five years, that will be 49-67. Moreover, these developments are less likely to be as directly affected by a sluggish economy than commercial or industrial applications.”
Nearly everyone in the market agrees that health care should remain a bright spot in the I&I category. Case in point, Ecolab’s acquisition of Microtek last year, which the St. Paul, MN-based I&I giant is using to build share in the health care category.
“Health care is relatively new for us and represents a big opportunity,” Mr. Baker noted at an analysts’ presentation last month. With 100,000 deaths each year due to infections, Microtek’s infection control products and systems give Ecolab an edge.
New Happenings at Zep
Another firm that is confident it has put itself on the right track to growth is Zep Products. John Morgan, chairman, president and chief executive officer, recently told investors that his company is in good position to grow during uncertain times.
“Ours is a recession-resistant business,” he said during an Oct. 14 conference call. “We can take further costs out to create long term value.”
Besides watching the bottom line, Zep is poised for topline growth too. The company recently introduced the Zep Professional product line which includes products for an array of applications, including bathroom care, disinfectants, drain care, general purpose cleaners, industrial degreasers, lubricants and penetrants, floor care, grounds and building maintenance, industrial hand care and odor control.
Zep’s goal is to obtain 10-15% of its revenue from sales of these products through industrial distributors.
“By focusing on the voice of the customer, it became clear that nearly 40% of the U.S. customer base prefers the services that industrial distributors have to offer,” commented Mr. Morgan. “We are committed to developing products and services desired by customers and making them available in ways most appropriate for the customer.”
Zep has partnered with several distributors, focusing on market segments strategic to the company. Last month, distribution agreements were reached with W.W. Grainger, Lab Safety Supply, Graybar Electric Company, R3 Reliable Redistribution Resource and VWR International, LLC, which offer the new Zep Professional product line to their customers. A distribution agreement was also reached with SP Richards to distribute select Zep Commercial products. According to Zep, these new partners, along its existing partner, HD Supply, will expand Zep’s customer reach in the industrial maintenance, electrical, food service, jan-san and broad-line scientific market industries.
New Products
As Zep expands its distribution base, other marketers are rolling out an array of new products.
State has launched six new products, this year, primarily in floor care. But the biggest launch of all has been the redesign of Fragrance Factory, its gel-based deodorizing system. Now Fragrance Factory sports a modern look, new scents and a formula that deodorizes longer and more effectively..
New from Spartan is Clothesline Fresh Laundry, which consists of 12 products formulated and tested to offer the most advanced laundry technology available. The line includes all-purpose spotter, alkaline spotter, rust and iron remover, laundry break, built laundry detergent, laundry detergent, chlorine and color safe bleaches, fabric softener, fabric softener/sanitizer, laundry sour and sour/softener. All are phosphate- and nonylphenol ethoxlate-free.
Current economic conditions demand that I&I marketers focus on helping their customers reduce costs, but that doesn’t mean that the industry is turning away from green initiatives.
“Efforts to market green products have been pursued pretty much industry-wide,” agreed Mr. Richardson. “For example, dozens of I&I suppliers have sought Green Seal certification for their products.”
These companies include 3M, Cintas, CTG, Ecolab, Fuller Brush, Johnson-Diversey, NCH, Rochester Midland, ServiceMaster, Spartan Chemical, State and Zep.
State, for example, has added green floor care finishes, strippers and hand care products.
“Every segment in the cleaning and maintenance category must be redesigned with green in mind,” said Mr. Beard. “Green cleaning is important in the long haul. But recent (economic) events have eclipsed it.
The economic crisis has helped boost sales of Apex, Ecolab’s system of products, equipment and consultative services to address the operational challenges in foodservice warewashing. A complete warewashing system, the Apex products include four detergents, two rinse additives, a presoak and manual pot and pan detergent.
Sales of Apex solids are running well ahead of plan, as customers look to cut water and energy costs, according to Ecolab executives. Moreover, Ecolab accelerated the rollout of the Apex warewashing program and more gains are expected.
“Apex is very early in its four-year rollout plan,” explained Mr. Baker. “We have 10,000 accounts installed and gaining momentum, despite market conditions.”
But the financial crunch has dampened sales projections for Ecovation, a Rochester, NY area-based provider of renewable energy solutions and effluent management systems primarily for the food and beverage manufacturing industry in the U.S., including dairy, beverage, and meat and poultry producers. Ecolab acquired Ecovation for $210 million.
At the time of the purchase, Ecolab predicted Ecovation’s sales would double in 2008 to $100 million. But Mr. Baker conceded that the tough economic climate has put a damper on sales.
“Ecovation’s growth is going to be slower than initially foreseen,” he explained. “It’s a big ticket installation and the credit crunch hurt.”
Hands-Free Dispensing
In the personal hygiene category, Gojo has introduced several products, including the CXac Touch Free AC Powered Counter Mount System. Billed as touch-free, trouble-free and battery-free, the AC-powered unit plugs into any regular wall outlet. Above the counter, a chrome finish complements other restroom fixtures.
Another new dispensing system from Gojo is the FMX-12 Clean Gene dispenser designed for grade K-5.
Gojo notes that hand hygiene is essential to a healthy learning environment. In fact, one study found that illness is responsible for more than 144 million missed school days a year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hand hygiene is one of the most important steps in preventing illness and stopping the spread of germs to others. But with all the demands of a busy school day, proper hand hygiene isn’t easy. Soap and water may not be available in the classroom. Restroom visits after each cough or sneeze aren’t practical. In addition, studies show only 53% of students wash their hands after bathroom use and only 18% use soap.
The Gojo launches underscore what I&I marketers already know; kids get dirty no matter what the stock market is doing. And while end-users may choose to clean their facilities less often, demand for I&I cleaning products remains much stronger during a recession than many other product categories.
I&I Market New Ingredients
Here’s a list of new ingredients for the I&I market introduced by suppliers during the past 12 months. To find out more about any of the products listed here, contact the supplier directly at the number provided.
BASF
Florham Park, NJ
Tel: 800-669-BASF or 973-245-7201
Website: www.basf.com/?utm_source=HAP&utm_medium=ContentMarketing&utm_campaign=HAP/corporate/
Inoterra Surfactant Systems
Description: Nonionic alcohol ethoxylate system
Applications: Hard surface cleaning, industrial and on-premise laundry, heavy duty degreasers, vehicle cleaners
Use levels: Similar to the ones used in nonyl phenol-based formulations
Comments: The Inoterra range was designed to meet not only the physical chemical profile of the commonly used Nonyl Phenol Ethoxylates but offers an overall solution for the I&I formulator who needs a product that performs even at low-use concentrations and that doesn’t need to be combined with other nonionic surfactants to perform. The product range offers an excellent performance in industrial degreasers and provides a no gelling profile in water based formulations meeting at the same time the EPA’s DfE surfactant screen. The line can also be used as an inert in non-food contact type of disinfectants and sanitizers.
Trilon M Chelating Agents
Description: Methylglycinediacetic acid (tri-sodium salt)
Applications: Effective in hard surface cleaning, automatic dish wash, food & beverage, vehicle wash and laundry formulations.
Use levels: Because of its low molecular weight, significantly lower amounts of chelating agent are needed when compared to similar environmentally-friendly amino carboxylates.
Comments: Trilon M is a strong chelating agent that offers the same level of calcium and magnesium binding capacity as traditional chelating agents like EDTA and NTA. This powerful chelate biodegrades in less than 10 days, making it an ideal additive for environmentally-friendly formulations.
CBC (America) Corp.
Commack, NY
Tel: 636-451-5544 or 631-946-1495
Email: walbers@cbcamerica.com
Website: www.cbcamerica.com
M.M.B.
Description: 3-methoxy-3-methyl-1-butan- ol
Applications: General purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, floor cleaner, semiconductor cleaner, PCB/flux cleaner, metal parts & surface degrease cleaner, ink cleaner, paint cleaner, etc.
Use levels: Application dependent
Comments: 100% soluble in water and/or solvent formulations. Very low odor with high flash point of 154°. Very low toxicity with variety of studies available. Readily biodegradable. Very stable in acid/ alkaline formulations and in high/low temperature. Excellent surfactant properties which enable to reduce a great amount of surfactant in the formulation. Excellent hydrotropic/coupling properties. Excel- lent viscosity modifier. MMB is a very good replacer of chlorinated solvents, glycol ethers and fluorocarbon solvent.
Ciba Corporation
High Point, NC
Tel: 336-801-2112
Email: karla.wilzer@ciba.com
Website: www.ciba.com
Ciba Tinogard TL
Description: Nonionic, benzotriazole UV light stabilizer
Applications: Cleaners, protectants, polishes, waxes and other surface care products for both the I&I and consumer household industries
Use levels: 0.2%
Comments: Tinogard TL helps to protect different types of surfaces, such as wood, leather and others from the adverse affects of ultraviolet light, thereby keeping surfaces looking like new for longer. It works by absorbing both UVA and UVB light. Tinogard TL is supplied as a liquid and is for use in oil or alcohol-based formulations. It may also be suited for aqueous-surfactant based formulations de- pending upon the level of surfactants.
Tinogard HS
Description: Anionic, benzotriazole UV light stabilizer
Applications: Cleaners, protectants, polishes, waxes and other surface care products for both the I&I and consumer household industries
Use levels: 0.2 wt.%
Comments: Tinogard HS helps to protect different types of surfaces, such as wood, leather and others from the adverse affects of ultraviolet light, thereby keeping surfaces looking like new for longer. It works by absorbing both UVA and UVB light. Tinogard HS is supplied as a powder and is for use in water- or alcohol-based formulations.
CibaFast H Liquid
Description: Anionic, benzotriazole UV light stabilizer
Applications: Cleaners, protectants, polishes, waxes and other surface care products for both the I&I and consumer household industries
Use levels: 0.2 wt.%
Comments: CibaBast H helps to protect different types of surfaces, such as wood, leather and others, from the adverse affects of ultraviolet light, thereby keeping surfaces looking like new for longer periods of time. It works by absorbing both UVA and UVB light. CibaFast H is a liquid and is ideal for use in water- or alcohol-based formulations.
Cognis Corporation
Ambler, PA
Tel: 215-628-1437
Email: virginia.lazarowitz@cognis.com
Website: www.cognis.com
Texapon 842
Description: Sodium capryl sulfate
Applications: Hard surface cleaners, laundry detergents, manual dish
Comments: This plant-based surfactant is peroxide stable and soluble. It can reduce the viscosity of surfactant systems with no VOCs. It has a moderate flash foam that breaks quickly. In addition, it is an effective hydrotrope that will solubilize alcohol ethoxylates in the presence of electrolytes/builders.
Dehypound Advanced
Description: Surfactant blend
Applications: Hard surface cleaners, carpet spot removers
Use levels: 0.5-2% active
Comments: At concentrations above 0.5% active this blend has superior hard surface detergency. This is ideal for formulation cleaners to meet the new expected CARB requirements of 0.5% VOC in a ready-to-use formulation as the Dehy- pound Advanced works without solvents. Solvents have been shown to decrease hard surface detergency. The blend is peroxide stable and can be used as a carpet spot remover.
Polyquart Pro
Description: Acrylic copolymer
Applications: Hard surface cleaners
Use levels: 0.1-0.5% active
Comments: This polymer modifies a surface so water sheets off and soil is easy to remove. This amphoteric polymer can be used in all types of hard surface cleaners. It is compatible in formulations having a pH of 0.5 to 14. It is effective in aluminum cleaners, bathroom cleaners, transportation cleaners, kitchen cleaners and floor cleaners. In any formulation where you desire soil removal after application to be easier or cleaning without spotting is desired, the answer is Polyquart Pro.
Evonik Goldschmidt Corporation
Hopewell, VA
Tel: 800-446-1809 or 804-541-8658
Email: angela.anicete@evonik.com
Website:
www.degussa-household-care.com
Rewopol SC 200
Description: Optimized blend of a sorbitan ester, a cocamidopropyl betaine and a fatty alcohol ethoxylate
Applications: Household, car, I&I cleaning
Use levels: 2-5%
Comments: Easy to formulate, quick wetting, fast dirt penetration, efficient for particulate and greasy soils, easy rinsing, quick drying, meets detergent regulation, EEC 648/2004, Good ecotoxical values
Tegotens SD 100
Description: Sorbitan sesquioctanoate
Applications: Cleaning booster for hard surfaces (floor, autodish, all purpose cleaners, traffic film remover)
Use levels: 1-2%
Comments: Low foaming; compatible with other nonionic, cationic, anionic surfactants; based on natural raw materials; EO-free; reduced spotting; no bitter taste in autodish applications; enhances quick spreading and wetting and meets Detergent Regulation, EEC 648/2004
Lubrizol Advanced Materials, Inc.
Noveon Consumer Specialties
Cleveland, OH
Tel: 216-447-5000, 800-379-5389
Email: pcp.csr@lubrizol.com
Website: www.personalcare.noveon.com
Chembetaine CAS Surfactant
Description: Cocamidopropyl hydroxy sultaine
Applications: Alkaline and acidic household, institutional and industrial cleaners
Use levels: 5-15 wt. %
Comments: Exceptional foam stability over a wide pH range and water hardness, with excellent stability in brine and concentrated electrolyte solutions
Chembetaine LEC Surfactant
Description: Lauramidopropyl betaine
Applications: Household, institutional and industrial cleaners
Use levels: 5-15 wt. %
Comments: Sensory enhancing, high purity, low color surfactant with excellent foaming, stability and viscosity building properties for use in a wide range of HI&I products.
Sulfochem ES-2CWK Surfactant
Description: Sodium laureth sulfate (2 mole)
Applications: Household, institutional and industrial cleaners
Use levels: 20-40 wt. %
Comments: Low color, low odor, low viscosity version of SLES which allows for easier handling. It can be thickened to the same viscosity as traditional SLES for use in a wide variety of HI&I cleaning products, while providing superior flash foam and lather characteristics.
Pilot Chemical
Cincinnati, OH
Tel: 800-70-PILOT
Email: info@pilotchemical.com
Website: www.pilotchemical.com
Calsoft OS-45S
Description: Sodium oleic sulfonate
Applications: Food processing and surface cleaner, hard surface cleaner, laundry, dish wash
Comments: Great wetting agent and solubilizer with low foaming properties
Pilot pTSA-65
Description: para-toluene sulfonic acid
Applications: Perfect for many HI&I cleaning applications
Comments: Clear hydrotrope which effectively increases solubility and reduces viscosity.
Calimulse EM-96F
Description: Branched sodium benzene sulfonate flake
Applications: Degreasers, floor cleaner, pot and pan cleaner
Comments: Very pure, high active non-caking flake with excellent emulsification and wetting characteristics.
McIntyre Group, Ltd.
University Park, IL
Tel: 708-534-6200
Email: m.miller@mcintyregroup.com
Website: www.mcintyregroup.com
Mackam ASC
Description: Alkylether hydroxypropyl sultaine (CAS No. 108797-84-8, 108797-85-9)
Applications: Industrial tank cleaners, dairy and brewery line cleaners, carpet steam cleaners
Use levels: 1-15%
Comments: Versatile and low in viscosity, Mackam ASC is effective at lowering the surface tension of highly alkaline systems and has a high solubility in caustic soda. The low, fast-breaking foam of Mackam ASC makes it ideal for hard surface cleaners, steam cleaners and bottle washing where foaming products are difficult to rinse.
Mackam LS
Description: Sodium lauroamphohydroxy- propylsulfonate (CAS No. 68039-23-6)
Applications: Hard surface cleaners
Use levels: 2-5%
Comments: Mackam LS provides high foam with excellent stability and also displays good surface active properties and is moderately soluble in caustic solutions.
Rhodia Inc.
Cranbury, NJ
Tel: 888-776-7337, 609-860-4000
Website: www.rhodia-novecare.com
Mirapol Surf-S
Description: Aqueous solution of an acrylic based polymer
Applications: Mirapol Surf-S 110 & 210 are designed for all purpose cleaners
Use levels: Mirapol Surf-S 110 & 210 recommended dosage = 0.5 to 1% as is
Comments: Rhodia has designed Mirapol Surf-S, a patented breakthrough family of specialty polymer additives for hard surface cleaning formulations. Mirapol Surf-S polymers ensure quick, easy and effective cleaning that, unlike standard surfactant-based cleaners, is long-lasting.
Mirapol Surf-S polymers modify the surface into a more water-loving (hydrophilic) surface. Rinsing water flows on this hydrophilic surface as a thin film that dries faster, leaving the surface spot- and streak-free. They effectively bind to the surface and don’t wash away with the cleaning solution. Mirapol Surf-S polymers resist rinsing and wiping from the first use and reduce soil adhesion on the surface.
Among the product’s attributes are: Cost reduction (replace 2/3 of the specific nonionic surfactants with only 0.2% polymer); easier process; soil-repellency (the soil does not adhere to the surface); anti-scale effect (the polymer strongly reduces lime scale deposition); hydrophilization (avoid dried spots and streaks by preventing water beading); long-lasting substantivity; keeps shiny surfaces, spot- and streak-free; fast drying (thinner and uniform water film for accelerated drying).
Rhodoclean EFC
Description: Ethoxyl-propoxyl terpene
Applications: Spray cleaning, industrial cleaners, vehicle cleaning
Use levels: 0.5-5%
Comments: Biodegradable nonionic surfactant (Approx. 100% solids). Specially designed for optimum detergency with minimum foaming, this product has numerous applications on a variety of hard surfaces where outstanding cleaning is required. Additionally, this product is based on renewable raw materials and has an outstanding ecotoxic profile. Main applications are in institutional and industrial facilities. It is especially efficacious where the product is applied using a high pressure spray. Compliant with the EU’s detergent biodegradability regulation.
Other attributes include: a plant-based profile, not ecotoxic, low foam, excellent detergency power, HLC=13, cloud point: 32-38°C, no need for antifoam (reduce the number of raw materials), stable in 10% H2SO4
Rohm and Haas Company
Philadelphia, PA
Tel: 215-592-3000
Website: www.rohmhaas.com
Koralone N-105 Microbicide
Description: Liquid formulation of octyl isothiazolone in proylene glycol
Applications: Where protection against fungi is desired; e.g., cleaners, dish detergent, polishes, pre-spotters, surfactants, wipes.
Comments: Effective against a broad pH range (pH 4.0 - 9.0). The microbiocide is also formaldehyde-free, environmentally acceptable, rapidly biodegradable and not bioaccumulating. It is highly effective at low levels against yeasts and molds. Readily incorporated into I&I products
Sea-Land Chemical Co.
Westlake, OH
Tel: 440-871-7887
Email: Sealand@Sealandchem.com
Website: www.sealandchem.com
Tomadol L series surfactants
Description: Ethoxylates of plant-derived alcohols
Applications: Household cleaners, industrial and institutional cleaners as well as industrial process and formulation aids.
Comments: The Tomadol L-Series ethoxylated alcohols are based on plant-derived hydrophobes and are suitable for a wide range of household cleaners, industrial and institutional cleaners. The Tomadol L-Series are 100% active and range from liquids to low melting point solids. They are excellent wetting agents, emulsifiers, and detergents. They are moderate foamers.
Baypure CX 100 (liquid and solid)
Description: Tetrasodium salt of iminodisuccinic acid
Applications: Household cleaners, industrial and institutional cleaners, soaps, shampoos, dishwashing and water treatment
Comments: US President Green Chemistry Challenge award winner. The tetrasodium salt of iminodisuccinic acid is an environmentally-friendly, medium-strong chelant for metal cations. It functions as a scale deposit remover, water softener and stabilizer for bleaching agents. It is enzyme-friendly, formaldehyde-free and peroxide-stable.
Tomadol L series surfactants
Description: Ethoxylates of plant-derived alcohols
Applications: Household cleaners, industrial and institutional cleaners as well as industrial process and formulation aids.
Comments: The Tomadol L-Series ethoxylated alcohols are based on plant-derived hydrophobes and are suitable for a wide range of household cleaners, industrial and institutional cleaners. The Tomadol L-Series are 100% active and range from liquids to low melting point solids. They are excellent wetting agents, emulsifiers, and detergents. They are moderate foamers.
Stepan Company
Northfield, IL
Tel: 800-745-7837
Email: techserv@stepan.com
Website: www.stepan.com
BTC 1218-80%
Description: n-Alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (EPA Reg.# 1839-191)
Applications: BTC 1218-80% can be formulated into a wide variety of disinfectant, sanitizer and fungicidal end-use products for janitorial, hospital and public settings.
Use levels: Application dependent
Comments: BTC 1218-80% is a highly active broad spectrum quaternary which is extremely effective in hard water. BTC quats are compatible with cationics, nonionics and amphoterics at the proper pH range, as well as alkaline and acid inorganics and most mineral and organic acids. BTC products are ultimately biodegradable.
Bio-Soft EC-Series (EC-600, EC-639, EC-690)
Description: Plant-derived fatty alcohol ethoxylates
Applications: EC-Series products are plant-derived nonionic surfactants that find application in multi-purpose cleaners, dilutable cleaners, hard surface cleaners and laundry detergents.
Use levels: 1-20%
Comments: The Bio-Soft EC-Series products are readily biodegradable, low odor nonionic surfactants. These EC products provide high detergency for use in laundry detergents and hard surface cleaning products. They are moderate foamers, oil/water emulsifiers, solubilizers, excellent wetting agents and are highly effective at low concentration in cool to hot water. The EC Series products are ideal replacements for NPE-10.