Replacing Acetone: Safe, Non-Toxic Acetone Alternatives to Meet Your Needs

Acetone, sometimes known also as Propanone, is a good industrial solvent for many plastics and synthetic fibers. It is used for everything from thinning paints and resins to cleaning tools. It is also used as one of the volatile components of paints and varnishes. However, there are several crucial drawbacks that make finding a replacement solvent of the utmost importance. Here, we will outline a few of the reasons why you should begin to replace acetone and how to get started.

Why Do I Need to Replace Acetone?

There is a whole slew of reasons why large industrial manufacturers should look to replace acetone. Outlined here are just a few of the most important to consider.

Negative Health Effects

Acetone can cause negative health effects when inhaled, ingested, or comes in contact with the skin or eyes. Breathing moderate levels of acetone for short periods of time can cause nose, throat, and lung irritation, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Prolonged exposure to acetone can cause headaches, fatigue, and dizziness, as well as skin irritation and dryness.

Flammability

Acetone's high flammability is perhaps the most hazardous aspect of this substance. Its vapors have been known to ignite in drains, leading to explosions. Therefore, acetone storage should be placed in environments free of ignition sources, such as sparks, flames, or arc flashes. To ensure safety, it is essential to strategically store acetone away from such sources.

Unnecessary Hassle

To dispose of acetone on an industrial scale, you will need a hazardous waste treatment plan or a recycling company who can process acetone in bulk on your behalf.

Additionally, certain states, such as Ohio, have reporting requirements for the use of acetone and federal organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) have their own set of reporting requirements as well. 

For many companies and organizations, the reporting requirements, and negative impacts of using acetone are more than enough motivation to begin the search for alternatives.

What Are Alternatives to Acetone?

There are several alternatives that exist to replace acetone, including Replacetone, Methyl Acetate, and VertecBio™ ELSOL® AR.

Methyl Acetate

Methyl acetate is a suitable substitute for acetone due to its lower environmental impact, reduced toxicity, and less flammable nature. It has similar solvency properties as acetone, making it effective in paint, coating, and adhesive production. Additionally, its milder odor making it more pleasant to work with.

VertecBio™ ELSOL® AR

VertecBio™ ELSOL® AR is an innovative and eco-friendly solution that provides an alternative to traditional industrial acetone products. This powerful bio-based solvent blend is formulated to offer exceptional performance for a variety of applications, including paint, coating, and ink formulations. Unlike harmful industrial acetone products, VertecBio™ ELSOL® AR is a sustainable and renewable solution that is derived from natural sources. This means that it has a lower environmental impact and is less harmful to human health than traditional solvents. With its outstanding performance, VertecBio™ ELSOL® AR is an excellent choice for companies that want to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on quality. It is a reliable and effective solution for businesses looking to make a positive impact on the planet while maintaining high levels of productivity and efficiency.

Usage and Environmental Benefits

In house testing has found ELSOL AR to be 20-30 percent more efficient in viscosity reduction than acetone. It also has an excellent flow characteristic when in formulation, high loading capacity, and can blends can be customized for maximum performance for your specific industry need.

Environmentally speaking, ELSOL AR is easy and inexpensive to distill or recycle, 100% biodegradable to carbon dioxide and water, and has no environmentally hazardous ingredients. Additional environmental benefits of ELSOL AR include:

• Carbon neutral
• No ozone depleting chemicals (ODCs).
• Non-carcinogenic (not listed on California Proposition 65)
• No hazardous air pollutants (HAPs)

Vertec BioSolvents: Superior Performance, Sustainable Technology

Manufactured in the US, Vertec’s full line of bio-based solvents are derived from renewable resources and solvent blends that provide high performance. We are proud to provide these environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based solvents and look forward to helping you create a more sustainable future for your business.

Reach out today to discuss your solvent needs and we will help match you with the ideal bio-solvent for your needs.