Ambimization® vs Cleaning Alternatives

How Ambimization® compares to alternative cleaning methods

Ambimization® is a safer, faster, more effective replacement for traditional cleaning solvents and their alternatives, that also delivers immediate sustainability benefits, including the reduction of hazardous waste, VOCs and CO₂ emissions. 

Moving towards solvent-free cleaning means making a commitment to improving site safety and more sustainable practices. However, there are also operational efficiencies and implementation to consider. 

We look at the range of different options available and consider them against key metrics that matter to you. 

A step towards sustainability doesn't require sacrifice 

We know that quality, safety and sustainability matter.

One day, solvent use in the cleaning process will become obsolete. It has only become the standard cleaning process because none of the alternatives were able to meet all the necessary criteria and offer a quality clean.

With Ambimization®, that is no longer the case. It improves safety, efficiency and helps you meet sustainability goals without compromising the quality of the clean.

Making the move away from solvents in the cleaning process doesn't have to be complicated. Below you'll find a breakdown of each solvent alternative, with their advantages and disadvantages.

Ambimization®

Ambimization® is a non-toxic, non-flammable and non-carcinogenic, water-based solution. It is safe to handle and works at ambient temperatures, meaning no ATEX zoning is required, and it uses less energy. Ambimization® reduces CO₂ emissions, VOCs and waste output, making it a great step in improving site sustainability and improving site safety. 

We've seen a reduction in cleaning times using Ambimization® as it uses not only our surfactant formula, but our engineer-designed machines, built with the operator in mind.

Most important of all, it offers a high-quality clean, working even on hydrophobic contaminants, without leaving a residue and with no worry about contamination.

Hot Caustic Bath

Hot caustic baths are extremely energy-hungry, in that they need to heat the vat of caustic. This also means creating huge amounts of waste product and water waste. It may be a move away from solvents, but it's not sustainable.

Caustic is also incredibly dangerous to operators, being highly corrosive and being used at high temperatures,

Switching out solvents for a solution that's less efficient, less sustainable and potentially less safe is not a workable solution.

High Pressure Water Cleaning

It’s easy to assume that using water instead of solvents is safer. However, high-pressure water cleaning, often operating at pressures of up to 1000 bar, poses a significant risk of severe operator injuries.

Additionally, it consumes large amounts of water, making it an unsustainable option with high waste output, and it often fails to meet the cleaning standards required by most manufacturers.

Low VOC Solvent

Low solvent formulations may seem like a step towards a safer and more sustainable cleaning solution, but even with a higher flashpoint, they still release VOCs, they still present an unsafe and unpleasant work environment for operators, and they still cause waste product and costly waste management processes.

Low solvent solutions continue to have all the disadvantages of solvents, and the advantages they offer are not significant enough to have a real impact on your company's sustainability.

Making sustainable choices

When considering whether to stay with solvent cleaning, or consider other options, certain details become clear:

1. Low solvent solutions are no solution at all

Low solvent cleaners may reduce the solvent amount present in your cleaning processes, but they still come with all of the other downsides of using solvents to clean. Using them is not sustainable long term, and it's not making your site safer or improving the quality of the clean.

2. Continuing to use solvents is not a long term solution

Companies who refuse to innovate their processes are at risk of financial loss and reputational damage in a market that increasingly values and demands safety, operational excellence and corporate responsibility.

Whilst options like carbon-offsetting or carbon credits can appear to show a company's willingness to engage in sustainable practices, they don't deal with the root cause.​

3. Legislation changes are on the horizon

Manufacturers and chemical companies are awaiting the legislative changes that require them to improve their safety standards, document solvent usage and record how they are moving towards more sustainable processes.

Whether it's the implementation of a Corporate Responsibility Sustainability Directive (CSRD)or the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, change is coming. Companies who innovate will be ahead of the curve.