Acetone substitute for industrial use
Alternatives to acetone for industrial use – without hazardous substance labelling
Acetone dissolves stains quickly – but it is highly flammable and must be labelled as such. We will work with you to find an alternative to acetone that reliably removes your stains and is not classified as hazardous according to the safety data sheet. Beforehand, you can test it free of charge using a sample or during a demonstration at your premises.
- Free sample to try out
- Demonstration also available on site
- A reply is usually provided within a few hours
Key questions about the use of acetone
What are the health and safety risks associated with acetone?
What regulations apply to acetone?
What are the advantages of alternatives to acetone?
Which acetone substitute is best suited to my application?
Key points at a glance
Acetone (propanone) is used in industry for degreasing and for dissolving residues of adhesives, resins and paints. It is classified as highly flammable (H225), causes severe eye irritation (H319) and may cause drowsiness and dizziness (H336). The Hazardous Substances Ordinance requires an assessment of whether such substances can be substituted. Eco-Nova offers acetone alternatives for many applications which, according to their safety data sheets, are not classified as hazardous. We will help you determine which one is suitable for your application during a consultation – usually with a free sample.
Why look for alternatives to acetone?
Safety concerns and health risks
Acetone is highly flammable (H225). Its flash point is below 0 °C; even at room temperature, its vapours form explosive mixtures with air. It causes severe eye irritation (H319), may cause drowsiness and dizziness (H336) and, with repeated contact, can make the skin brittle and cracked (EUH066).
Environmental impacts of acetone
Acetone is a highly volatile organic solvent (VOC). It evaporates quickly and thus enters the ambient air and exhaust air. It is classified as posing a low risk to water (WGK 1) and must not be allowed to enter the sewerage system. Any residues and soaked wipes must be disposed of as hazardous waste.
Legal restrictions and regulations
The Hazardous Substances Ordinance (Sections 6 and 7) and TRGS 600 require an assessment to be carried out to determine whether a less hazardous substitute is available. TRGS 510 and explosion protection regulations apply to storage and handling. Above certain consumption levels, the Solvents Ordinance (31st BImSchV) may also apply.
Cost efficiency and cost-effectiveness
Hazardous substances incur follow-on costs: a list of hazardous substances, operating instructions, training, storage, extraction and disposal. With a cleaner that is not classified as hazardous, many of these costs are eliminated. And because it evaporates more slowly, less of the cleaner is wasted.
Advantages of alternatives to acetone
What changes when you replace acetone with an acetone alternative from Eco-Nova? Here’s an overview:
| Acetone | Acetone alternatives from Eco-Nova* | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification (CLP) | highly flammable (H225), irritating to eyes (H319), may cause drowsiness (H336) | Not classified as hazardous according to the safety data sheet |
| Flash point | below 0 °C | above 60 °C |
| Transport | Dangerous goods (UN 1090, Class 3) | not a dangerous good |
| Storage | as a flammable liquid | No need to store as a flammable liquid |
| Evaporation | very quickly | Slower: takes longer to take effect; depending on the cleaner, either wipe off or allow it to air dry |
* With regard to the cleaning products listed below, the information is taken from the relevant safety data sheets.
Eco-Nova’s acetone alternatives: which substitute for which application?
| Application | Typical contamination | Might be suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Degrease before gluing, painting or coating | Oily and greasy films, fingerprints | RF Cleaner |
| Removing adhesive, label and resin residues | Adhesives, resins, polymers, labels | Topclean |
| Removing printing ink and silicone | Rotogravure inks, silicones, resins | Technoclean NX |
| Cleaning tools and moulds used in PU processing | Polyols, isocyanates, PU residues | Nova Safe S |
| Degreasing machinery and components | Oils, fats, waxes | Eco Degreaser |
| Mixed contaminants, water-dilutable | Pigments, printing inks, oils | Microsolv NX |
The table lists one possible cleaner for each application. Which one is best suited to your application depends on the type of soiling, the surface and the process involved. We’ll work this out together – usually with a free sample or an on-site demonstration.
Acetone substitutes depending on the type of contamination
Four steps to making an acetone substitute
Describe the application
What needs to be removed, from which surface, and how have you been cleaning it so far? It would be helpful to know the product name and quantity of your current cleaner.
Proposal and sample
We’ll recommend a suitable cleaner and send you a free sample. If you’d like, we can visit your premises to demonstrate the product.
Compare and test
You will test the cleaner on your equipment, comparing it directly with acetone. We will agree the contact time and application method with you.
Switch over
Along with the test sample, you will receive a safety data sheet and a technical data sheet for your risk assessment. We will then supply the product in the appropriate container size.
Success stories and interesting facts
Other companies have, for example, replaced acetone and other hazardous solvents.
Frequently Asked Questions about Acetone Alternatives
What is a good substitute for acetone?
That depends on what the acetone is being used for. A different cleaner is required for degreasing before bonding than for removing adhesive or paint residues. We’ll help you find the right cleaner during your consultation and test it beforehand using a free sample.
What are the advantages of acetone alternatives compared to acetone itself?
According to their safety data sheets, the cleaning agents we recommend as substitutes for acetone are not classified as hazardous and are not classified as dangerous goods. Their flash point is above 60 °C. This simplifies storage, training and documentation. As they evaporate more slowly, they remain effective for longer.
In which areas of application can alternatives to acetone be used?
Wherever acetone is used today for degreasing or to remove residues of adhesives, resins, paint or silicone: for example, in plastics and adhesives processing, in printing, in metalworking and in maintenance. The choice of cleaner depends on the type of soiling and the surface.
What are the environmental impacts of acetone alternatives?
The solvents mentioned evaporate significantly more slowly than acetone and, according to their safety data sheets, are not classified as hazardous. The water hazard class of a product and how it should be disposed of are set out in the relevant safety data sheet.
Can acetone alternatives be integrated into existing processes without the need for any changes?
In most cases, only minor adjustments are required. The exposure time, application method (cloth, sprayer or immersion bath) and flash-off time may vary. We will discuss these details with you during the test.
Are acetone alternatives just as effective as acetone itself?
For the application in question, the answer is often ‘yes’, as the test shows. Because they evaporate more slowly, they remain effective for longer. However, depending on the cleaner used, they may take a little longer to dry off or may need to be wiped off. That is why we carry out a test on your equipment beforehand.
Is there a substitute for acetone that evaporates without leaving any residue?
Yes. There are specially developed cleaners for residue-free degreasing, such as RF Cleaner. It evaporates more slowly than acetone. We will determine during testing whether the evaporation time is suitable for your process.
What safety precautions should be observed when handling alternatives to acetone?
According to the safety data sheet, the cleaning products listed are not classified as hazardous. Nevertheless, the general hygiene and safety precautions for handling chemicals still apply, such as wearing suitable gloves. This information is set out in the safety data sheet, which you will receive with the test sample.
What certifications do Eco-Nova’s acetone alternatives have?
Eco-Nova is certified to ISO 9001. Some cleaning products have additional certifications, such as for skin compatibility. You can find out which ones on the relevant product page.
What else is acetone called?
In chemical terms, acetone is known as propanone, also referred to as 2-propanone or dimethyl ketone. Its CAS number is 67-64-1.
What is the correct way to dispose of acetone?
Acetone residues and wipes soaked in acetone must not be poured down the drain or disposed of with general waste. They must be collected in sealed containers and disposed of as hazardous waste via an authorised waste disposal operator. Instructions on the disposal of a cleaner can be found in Section 13 of its safety data sheet.
Will the change help with the risk assessment?
Yes. The assessment of alternative substances in accordance with the Hazardous Substances Ordinance and TRGS 600 forms part of the risk assessment. We can assist you with data sheets and a free Hazardous Substances Check.
Would you like to replace acetone?
Tell us about your application. During business hours, we’ll usually get back to you within a few hours – with a proposal and a free sample.