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Ethanol vs isopropyl alcohol (IPA) – which is the best wipe for your application?

Switching to ethanol could save you 1.5 tons CO2 emissions annually

This is just one of the reasons why you should consider switching from IPA to ethanol presaturated wipes

IPA and ethanol are used in very similar applications; however, they are not mutually exclusive.

The only way to know for sure which is best for you – is specific, application-based testing.

But, if they perform to a similar standard in application, other factors might come into play and there are some good reasons to switch from IPA to ethanol if you can:

ETHANOL IS MORE EFFICIENT THAN IPA IN CERTAIN APPLICATIONS

In specific applications, such as dissolving releasing agent from injected plastic parts – ethanol is more than 30% more efficient than IPA.

ETHANOL IS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

We all want to do the best for our planet.

Ethanol has a 33% lower carbon footprint than IPA.

That means that if your facility consumed one standard pallet* of presaturated wipes a month and switched from IPA to ethanol – you could save 1.5 tons of CO2 every year!

ETHANOL IS NOT MADE FROM OIL

IPA is a synthetic alcohol, made from petroleum using a chemical reaction.

Ethanol is mainly produced by converting grain and sugars into alcohol – which is fermented by yeasts and distilled.

This means that ethanol is (unlike IPA) not dependant on the oil market, with reduced potential for cost volatility and supply issues.

ETHANOL IS BETTER FOR YOUR HEALTH

Ethanol and IPA are both forms of alcohol, but a critical chemical difference means one is safe for human consumption (ethanol) and is consumed in products such as beer, wine, spirits and mouthwash – while the other is not (IPA).

Both are used in cosmetics, hand sanitisers, disinfectants and as antiseptics.

Ethanol has a milder odour and studies show it to be better tolerated by skin than IPA – and is safer to use with higher worker exposure limits.

IS ETHANOL A BETTER CHOICE FOR YOUR APPLICATION?

As a solvent integrator, we are experts at identifying the best wipe, (fabric / size / folding / container and distribution) and right solvent for your process. We will work with you to identify the best solvent and wipe to help you reduce cost, improve efficiency of your process and minimise operator exposure to VOCs.

Get in touch to find out more about how our technical wiping solutions can help you optimise your process and speak to one of our experts!

*1 pallet of 50 standard boxes of 12×25 wipes 32×40 cm, at ISO saturation rate, we save 130.2 Kg of CO2.

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