Knowledge & Tips

Practical guidance on industrial cleaning: how to remove contaminants such as bitumen, adhesives or ink, replace hazardous substances and safely comply with regulations on labelling, storage and transport – professionally reviewed by Eco-Nova GmbH.

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Offshore wind farm with an installation vessel in the North Sea
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Removing salts before coating: the Bresle test, limit values and procedure

Salts such as chlorides and sulphates are trapped in the rust scars of corroded steel and, when a new coating is applied, cause blistering and corrosion. The salt content is measured using the…

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5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

The Sinners Circle: Balancing chemistry, mechanics, temperature and time correctly

Sinner’s Circle describes the four factors involved in any cleaning process: chemistry, mechanics, temperature and time. If one of these factors is reduced, the others must be increased. That is why there is rarely a single ‘best’ option…

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Poster „Without GHS labelling“ featuring crossed-out hazard symbols
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Replacing hazardous substances in cleaning products: Why it’s worth making the switch and how to do it successfully

Labelled cleaning products pose a risk to health and entail additional costs in terms of storage, protective equipment and training. The Hazardous Substances Ordinance requires them to be replaced with less hazardous alternatives where suitable alternatives are available. Many…

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Construction machinery with traces of asphalt and bitumen on the chain
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Asphalt on construction machinery: prevention with release agents and gentle cleaning

Asphalt sticks to pavers, rollers, lorry beds and tools. Two things help: a release agent to minimise sticking, and prompt cleaning before the residue sets. Diesel is used as…

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Robot applies a bead of adhesive in industrial manufacturing
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Types of adhesives in industry: an overview and what this means for cleaning

In industry, the adhesives most commonly used are epoxy, polyurethane, acrylate, cyanoacrylate, silicone, hot-melt, emulsion and pressure-sensitive adhesives. When it comes to cleaning, the key factor is how the adhesive cures: physically setting…

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Permanent markers when writing
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Removing permanent marker and paint markers – from metal, plastic and glass

Permanent and paint-based markers are used to mark sheet metal, pipes, sections, components and stock items. Before welding, coating, bonding or dispatch, the markings often need to be removed. On smooth surfaces such as…

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Printing press with a colour print sheet
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Removing ink residue from inkjet printers and coding lines

Ink residues build up on continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers, thermal inkjet coders, industrial inkjet systems, conveyor belts and guide rails. How to remove them depends on the type of ink: solvent-based, water-based, pigmented or UV-curing. For the print head and…

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Roadworks workers standing next to an asphalt paver with bitumen
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Removing tar, asphalt and bitumen – and preventing build-up

Bitumen and asphalt residues can be removed mechanically, using dry ice, heat or chemically with a bitumen remover. The chemical method is often the gentlest. Eco-Nova’s bitumen removers are not…

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Production line with adhesive threads on rolls
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Removing adhesive residue: methods and tips for every type of adhesive

Adhesive residues build up on application rollers, nozzles, gluing units, labelling machines, moulds and tools. How to remove them depends on the type of adhesive: hot-melt adhesives soften when heated, whilst reactive adhesives should be removed before they cure…

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Industrial rollers in a production plant
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Cleaning industrial rollers: methods and tips for every type of roller

Printing, anilox, laminating, heated, conveyor or rubber rollers are often still cleaned with acetone or isopropanol. Both are highly flammable and evaporate particularly quickly on hot rollers. Many roller cleaners…

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UN approval marking on a plastic canister
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

UN approval: What the mark on canisters and drums means

A UN approval certifies that a package has been tested and approved for the transport of dangerous goods. The UN mark on a canister or drum indicates the type of packaging, the packaging group, the permissible density or mass, …

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Dangerous goods labelling on a transport container
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Hazardous substances and dangerous goods: the difference explained simply

Hazardous substances are substances or mixtures with hazardous properties as defined by chemicals legislation (CLP Regulation, Hazardous Substances Ordinance). This relates to labelling, storage and health and safety at work. Dangerous goods is a term used in transport legislation (e.g. ADR)…

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Dyeclean 200 canister with explanation: UFI = Unique Formula Identifier
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

UFI number: What the code on the label means

The UFI (Unique Formula Identifier) is a 16-digit code found on the label of hazardous mixtures. It enables poison control centres to identify the exact composition of a product in an emergency. Since…

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ISEGA and NSF certification logos
5 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

Compliance, certifications and the development of cleaning products

Many customers require evidence regarding cleaning products, for example regarding their suitability for use in food environments or the absence of SVHC substances on the REACH Candidate List. Several Eco-Nova cleaning products have been certified by NSF or ISEGA…

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Road worker with a spade standing next to the asphalt paver
2 October 2026
· Knowledge & Tips

AGW bitumen from 2027: What asphalt contractors need to bear in mind regarding release agents

From 1 January 2027, the occupational exposure limit of 1.5 mg/m³ for vapours and aerosols from bitumen will also apply to the laying of rolled asphalt. The BG BAU recommends, in addition to temperature-reduced…

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Industrial cleaning explained in simple terms

In our technical articles, we answer questions that customers in the fields of production, maintenance and health and safety ask us every day: Which cleaner removes a particular type of contamination? How can a solvent subject to labelling requirements be replaced? And what rules apply to labelling, storage and transport?

Targeted removal of contaminants

Whether it’s bitumen on construction machinery, adhesive residue on tools, ink on coding systems or paint residue on rollers – every type of contamination requires a suitable method. We explain when mechanical methods, heat or a cleaner are the best choice, and what you should bear in mind regarding material compatibility.

Replace hazardous substances

The Hazardous Substances Ordinance requires hazardous substances to be replaced with less hazardous ones where technically feasible. According to their safety data sheets, many of Eco-Nova’s cleaning products are not subject to labelling requirements – this simplifies risk assessment, storage and training.

Rules and labelling

The CLP Regulation, UFI code, UN approval or dangerous goods: we summarise the key requirements in an easy-to-understand way and provide links to the official sources.

Can’t find the answer to your question? Our technical advisers will be happy to help you personally.

Do you have a cleaning problem?

Tell us about the contamination and the surface – our technical advisers will recommend the most promising solution, with a free sample provided on request.