Number

370-EN

Section

General Section

Use

Abstract

This case story describes the substitution of alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO) in the textile industry. The company performed an investigation of possibilities to substitute APEO for reducing yellowing in polyamide, polyester and their blends with elastane fibres during heat-setting. They identified and implemented fatty alcohol polyglycol ether as a suitable alternative.

Substituted substances

Alternative Substances

Reliability of information

Evidence of implementation: there is evidence that the solution was implemented and in use at time of publication

Reason substitution

PBT
ED

Hazard Assessment

Substance to be substituted: The substituted substance nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs) is on the " substances database according to SUBSPORTplus screening criteria" (SDSC) since it is listed PBT on the OSPAR list of substances of possible concern section A and as an EDC category 1 in the EU commission database of potential endocrine disruptors and on the SIN List. It is listed in Annex XIV (authorisation list) due to its endocrine disrupting properties for the environment. Alternative substance: The alternative substance alcohols, C10-16, ethoxylated has no CLP classification and is not listed on the SDSC.

Description of Substitution

Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO) and alkylphenols (AP) are widely used in the textile industry. APs and APEOs are chemicals compounds which due to their structure have at least one hydrophilic and one hydrophobic functional group and have therefore the possibility to reduce surface tension. G-Star is continuously working towards sustainable solutions and achieving the goals of zero discharge of hazardous chemicals in its supply chain. One of these goals is completely phasing out APEO'S and AP's. APEO's are known to be aquatic harmful and are one of the chemical groups mentioned in the G-Star Restricted Substances List (RSL). During factory audits, drums with chemicals containing APEO's were found in the warehouse. The company contacted the chemical supplier and was informed that the product was reformulated. The company informed the supplier about the reformulation of the chemical. At the same time the supplier was informed that it is forbidden to continue the use of this chemical and that it must be disposed of in a safe way in accordance with the authorities and regulations. The product found was a detergent based concept, with an APEO content of 70%. This has been changed to a water based concept. Added was a small percentage of fatty alcohol polyglycol ether (1-5%), as auxiliary to wet the fabric; without this the formula would not work. The result was an improvement both in components as in quantity. Fatty alcohol polyglycol ether was identified as a suitable alternative. This is mainly used as a substitute for the range of non-ionic tensides. Even in low application amounts, good results can be achieved. This substitution process started in December 2012 and showed the substituted product is similar (up until now) in performance and lower in cost. The substitution will be continued in the company´s global supply chain. The case shows that next to more difficult substitution cases, easy though not less important substitutions can be made.

Case/substitution evaluation

This case story describes the substitution of an alkylphenol ethoxylate substance which is included in the SDSC-list as well as several other lists because of its endocrine disrupting- and PBT-properties. The alternative substance has none of these properties and should therefore be a better alternative.

Enterprise using the alternative

www.g-star.com

Availability ofAlternative

On the market

Producer/Provider

www.tanatexchemicals.com/

Type of information supplier

User

Contact

https://www.g-star.com

Date, reviewed

November 26, 2021