Previously, when discussing green chemistry, we introduced the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry developed by the American Chemical Society (ACS). These principles serve as guidelines for creating more sustainable and environmentally responsible chemical processes:
- Prevention
- Atom Economy
- Less Hazardous Chemical Syntheses
- Designing Safer Chemicals
- Safer Solvents and Auxiliaries
- Design for Energy Efficiency
- Use of Renewable Feedstocks
- Reduce Derivatives
- Catalysis
- Design for Degradation
- Real-time Analysis for Pollution Prevention
- Inherently Safer Chemistry for Accident Prevention
Among these, designing safer chemicals stands out as one of the most important, and most challenging, principles. As the ACS explains:
“Chemical products should be designed to preserve efficacy of function while reducing toxicity.”
From Natural Chemistry to Industrial Complexity
Humans have created and refined chemicals for thousands of years. Before the industrial revolution, most substances came from natural, organic sources and were only slightly modified. Take wine and vinegar as simple examples. Wine can be consumed, while vinegar serves countless practical purposes. Both are biodegradable and have minimal environmental impact.
As industrialization expanded, however, manufacturers began working with more complex materials, including metals, alloys, and plastics. This shift required the development of synthetic chemicals that could:
- Clean more effectively
- Improve durability and performance
- Enable mass production
- Support specialized industrial applications
Today, many of the products we rely on cannot be manufactured, cleaned, or processed without equally advanced chemical solutions.
The Trade-Off: Performance vs. Safety
For many years, industries focused on performance, often without fully understanding the long-term effects of the chemicals they used. In some cases, the consequences were severe:
- Worker illness and long-term health impacts
- Environmental contamination
- The creation of hazardous waste sites
Solvents, in particular, played a major role in both solving and creating problems. They made it possible to remove grease, grime, and contaminants from industrial parts more effectively than ever before. At the same time, prolonged exposure to certain solvents has been linked to serious health risks. Generations of workers experienced these effects firsthand, often without adequate protection or understanding of the risks involved.
The Challenge of Designing Safer Chemicals
The need for safer alternatives is clear, but the challenge is significant. Modern industries still depend on:
- Degreasers
- Adhesives
- Coatings
- Parts cleaning systems
And these solutions must perform reliably and meet strict specifications.
The reality is that designing safer chemicals requires expertise across multiple fields, including chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and biology. It is not simply about replacing one chemical with another—it’s about creating solutions that work just as well while reducing harm to people and the environment.
The Role of Aqueous Cleaning in Safer Industrial Processes
One of the most important developments in industrial cleaning has been the shift toward aqueous parts washers. AEC Systems designs and manufactures solvent-free parts washers that use:
- Water as the primary cleaning medium
- Heat to enhance cleaning performance
- Detergents formulated to minimize corrosion and environmental impact
- Mechanical processes such as spray and agitation
By combining these elements, aqueous systems can achieve the required level of cleanliness without relying on many of the hazardous solvents used in the past.
Moving Forward with Green Chemistry
We are unlikely to return to the way people lived in 1900, or even 1950. Modern transportation, manufacturing, and infrastructure all depend on advanced materials and chemical processes. That makes the principles of green chemistry more important than ever.
Designing safer chemicals is not just a scientific challenge, it is an investment in worker health and safety, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability. AEC Systems is proud to contribute to this effort by developing cleaning solutions that align with modern green chemistry practices.
A Better Approach to Parts Cleaning
If your operation relies on industrial cleaning processes, it may be time to consider safer alternatives. AEC Systems designs aqueous parts washers that meet performance requirements while supporting safer, more sustainable operations.
Contact us today to learn more about solvent-free parts cleaning solutions.