Naturally Clean Solutions with Evonik
Today, more than ever, we need to ensure that hygiene and cleanliness play a major role in our lives. From disinfecting our hands to ensuring sanitary food preparation, there are countless areas to fight contamination. Some may think that the only way to do this is to use abrasive, harmful chemicals. But this is not true.
Through sustainability driven innovation, Evonik has developed cleaning agents that are as powerful as they are mild, without negative environmental impacts. From industrial disinfectants to personal care cleansers, Evonik promotes hygiene while caring for the user and the environment.
Hydrogen peroxide - Like water but so much more
Unlike water made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom (H2O), hydrogen peroxide includes one more oxygen atom (H2O2).
This simple difference in configuration turns hydrogen peroxide into a powerful disinfectant. When it encounters bacteria, fungi, and viruses, the H2O2 molecules break down their cell walls to kill the potentially harmful stuff, before breaking down into harmless water and oxygen.
Scientists discovered this amazing property in the 1920s, and people all over the world have been using it ever since – from household cleaning solutions to industrial grade disinfectants used in factories. Evonik is in all those cleaning solutions. For example, Evonik has taken hydrogen peroxide’s power to develop HYPROX® for bleaching and disinfection on large scales in various industries.
While H2O2 disinfects and bleaches effectively, there are other more readily-available formulas that can help sterilize and sanitize – such as Vinegar!
Vinegar and H2O2 - A powerful combo
Vinegar and H2O2 make peracetic acid, a highly efficient disinfectant that the medical community uses as a sterilizing agent for their equipment. It attacks biological contaminants much like hydrogen peroxide does, breaking down to vinegar, water, and oxygen in the process.
Evonik has supercharged peracetic acid with even more hydrogen peroxide in its biocide PERACLEAN®. It is extremely effective against a range of viruses, from COVID-19 to the common cold. It is an excellent replacement for disinfectants with ammonia or chlorine, which have potentially harsh by-products.
Vegetable-based cleansers, no chemicals needed
Just how much more natural can soap products be? Well, did you know that they can be made using vegetables? If you look at the label of most soap products, you may find sodium lauryl sulfate or similar chemical surfactants. Surfactants gives soap its cleaning power. It attaches to molecules in dirt and grime so that they are easily washed away. These very active agents can be extracted from plants like coconuts and wheat.
Evonik has developed a range of surfactants that are robust cleaners including the mild, vegetable-based REWOTERIC®, for use in products like shampoos and soaps, and the biodegradable REWOCID®, which can be used in products such as surface cleaners, detergents, and sanitizers.
Making the most of nature’s cleaning power
Staying sanitary and hygienic requires effective products for every aspect. Evonik understands this importance and is always looking for new ways to find healthier, more eco-friendly solutions from natural products. Making the most of compounds like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide that can disinfect to using vegetables to make natural soaps are just the beginning!