Considerations=20 for Partnership

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Design for the = Environment=20 (DfE) Program helps businesses incorporate environmental concerns into = the=20 design and redesign of products, processes, and technical and management = systems. The considerations for partnership presented in this paper form = part of=20 the DfE Program's strategy to encourage formulators and users of = industrial and=20 institutional laundry products and technologies to design and adopt = safer, more=20 efficient cleaning systems.

The DfE Program uses the Considerations for Partnership paper = as a=20 tool in the partner selection process. The program offers partnership = and=20 recognition to those companies that act as environmental stewards by = improving=20 or encouraging improvement in the environmental profile of laundry = products and=20 processes. Partners commit to seek continuous improvement in their = efforts to=20 help protect the environment and human health.

Invitation to Partner

The DfE Program invites all formulators of laundry products from the=20 industrial and institutional sectors to consider partnering with EPA. = This=20 Considerations for Partnership paper identifies a set of positive = attributes that the DfE Program would like companies to consider when=20 formulating or selecting a laundry detergent.^1<=
/A> This paper has two primary purposes: to = inform and to=20 encourage dialogue between EPA and potential partners=97and among all = interested=20 parties.

Our initial partner companies took a leadership role in redesigning = their=20 laundry formulations to benefit the environment and human health. In = fact, the=20 improvements and environmental benefits discussed in this paper reflect, = to a=20 considerable extent, information learned from these partnerships. This=20 Considerations paper has evolved with each new partnership and it will = continue=20 to evolve as new partnerships and ideas emerge.

The DfE Program, within EPA's Office of Pollution Prevention and = Toxics,=20 offers partner companies the benefit of EPA's many years of experience = assessing=20 the hazard, exposure, and risk of thousands of chemicals. We welcome the = opportunity to work with formulators and users to improve the = environmental=20 characteristics of laundry products and services. The program relies = on=20 partner companies to approach EPA with alternative formulations or = ingredients=20 the company is considering using and ultimately to assess the = effectiveness and=20 economic viability of new products.

This Considerations paper is organized into three subject = areas:

Part I.=20 Improved Formulations=97focuses mainly on the chemical = components in=20 detergent formulations and the environmental and health attributes of=20 alternative ingredients.

Part=20 II. Innovative Formulations and Cleaning Processes=97highlights = major=20 advances in technology, most still under development, that might offer a = breakthrough in environmental benefits.

Part=20 III. Other Key Considerations=97covers a range of issues from = product=20 stewardship to measures of success, all related to the quality of the = partnering=20 relationship.

The DfE Program recognizes that the partnership elements listed in = this=20 Considerations paper do not constitute a complete set of desirable = attributes=20 and invites your comments on any improvement in cleaning technology or = use that=20 might reduce risk or prevent pollution. We do not require the adoption = of any=20 particular set of attributes as a condition of partnership.

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Part I. Improved Formulations

Formulators can improve the environmental profile of = conventional=20 cleaning products by using ingredients that are less toxic, less = persistent,=20 nonbioaccumulative, and that degrade to chemicals with similar = beneficial=20 characteristics.

The DfE Program looks for improvements that focus on the following=20 characteristics: toxicity, persistence or biodegradability, = bioaccumulation=20 potential, and the properties of degradation byproducts.

DfE uses a straightforward, pollution prevention-oriented approach in = gauging=20 the relative safety and desirability of alternative detergent = ingredients: lower=20 toxicity, more rapid biodegradation, lower bioaccumulation potential, = and less=20 toxic byproducts generally present a safer environmental profile.^2<=
/A> The program also considers basic factors = related to=20 potential harm, like the amount of chemical used in a formulation and = effects on=20 different species, when comparing chemical substances.

DfE recognizes that many factors influence the design and ingredient = choice=20 for a laundry detergent. Above all, the formulator must respond to the = needs of=20 its customer, the launderer. Is the launderer's water hard or soft? What = types=20 of soils and fabrics are being cleaned? What local effluent or other=20 environmental regulations must the launderer consider? Will the = detergent=20 perform cost-effectively?

The following discussion highlights some of the key components and=20 alternative ingredients for laundry detergents, indicating, to the = extent known,=20 which ingredients possess a potential advantage from a pollution = prevention=20 standpoint and why a partner company has decided to use a particular = ingredient=20 in its formulation. The discussion also offers some general guidance on = design=20 elements that might improve the environmental profile of a detergent=20 formulation.

DfE seeks comments from potential partners on other components or = ingredients=20 to add to the discussion, and on any health or environmental matter = related to=20 detergent formulation and use.

Surfactants. The active cleaning agent in most detergent=20 formulations, surfactants change the chemical and physical = relationship=20 between water and the surface to be cleaned. Surfactants loosen and = suspend=20 soil and enhance the wetting property of water. Environmentally = improved=20 surfactants biodegrade to less toxic and less persistent=20 chemicals.

Linear alcohol ethoxylates (LAEs), for example, = biodegrade=20 to linear alcohols and carboxylic acids, compounds typically with = lower=20 environmental concerns. Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEs), in contrast, = might=20 biodegrade under anaerobic conditions to alkylphenols which persist in = the=20 environment and are considered toxic to aquatic organisms. Also, LAEs = are=20 soluble in cooler water and so might aid in the development of low=20 temperature, energy-saving detergents.

One partner company has informed EPA that it used LAEs to improve = both its=20 pollution prevention scorecard and the effectiveness of its product. = Formulators=20 might consider using linear alcohol-ester-ethoxylates to further enhance = a=20 detergent's biodegradability and environmental profile.

Builders. Added to formulations to change the properties of = water=20 (especially hardness and pH) and bolster a surfactant's performance, = builders=20 vary in toxicity and potential to cause human health and environmental = effects. Inorganic phosphates (like sodium tripolyphosphate), = once=20 commonly used as water softening agents, are algal nutrients that can = cause=20 algal "blooms" (i.e., a large increase in algal biomass) in fresh = water. The=20 blooms eventually die off and rot, depleting dissolved oxygen in the = water.=20 Low oxygen levels diminish a water body's ability to support many = forms of=20 aquatic life.

Substitution of organic chemicals (with positive environmental = profiles) for=20 inorganic phosphates as detergent builders would be a better = environmental=20 choice. (Similarly, DfE recommends the use of safer organic substitutes = instead=20 of inorganic phosphates as effluent treatment chemicals.)

Zeolites, also known as aluminosilicates, are = considered=20 effective water treatment chemicals and pose less health and = environmental=20 concerns than inorganic phosphates or other builders (such as the = higher pH=20 sodium carbonate) when used as detergent additives.

Bleaches and Sanitizers. Bleaching processes that do not = produce=20 toxic or persistent byproducts are better for human health and the=20 environment. Use of hydrogen peroxide or ozone, for example, in lieu = of=20 traditional ingredients like chlorine, eliminates the potential = formation of=20 hazardous gases and chlorinated organic byproducts while decreasing = damage to=20 fibers in clothing and fabrics, thereby, lengthening their usable = life.=20 Another traditional bleaching agent, sodium perborate may present both = human=20 health and ecological concerns.

One partner company adopted a hydrogen peroxide substitute in its=20 enzyme-enhanced cleaning system that works effectively and satisfies = laundry=20 sanitation requirements.

(Note: Sanitation codes and requirements vary by = state.)

Whiteners/Optical Brighteners. Environmentally preferable = whiteners=20 are those with low toxicity to humans and the environment both as = parent=20 chemicals and degradation byproducts. Whiteners that contain an = aminotriazine=20 or stilbene component might present a human health risk. Toxicity data = on two=20 sulfonated derivatives of 4, 4-bis (triazin-2-ylamino) stilbene = indicate the=20 potential for developmental and reproductive effects in humans. = Alternatives=20 to triazine-based whiteners (e.g., perhaps coumarin derivative) exist = and=20 would improve a formulation's human health profile.

Fragrances. Used primarily to mask the odors of other = ingredients=20 or improve a product's scent, most fragrances do not affect the = functioning of=20 laundry products. However, some fragrances can cause harmful side = effects in=20 chemically sensitive individuals (e.g., allergic reactions.) From a = pollution=20 prevention standpoint, use of fragrances should be limited whenever=20 possible.
Fabric Softeners. Certain fabric softeners present a better = environmental profile than others. For more rapid biodegradation, = consider=20 using softeners with one of the following hydrophobe-hydrophile (i.e., = water=20 attracting-water repelling) linkages: amides, carboxylic esters, acid=20 chlorides, peroxides, or Schiff bases.^3<=
/A> Betaine esters, for example, = spontaneously=20 hydrolyze in water and are derived from natural sources; traditional=20 quaternary ammonium compounds, in contrast, persist as toxicants in = the=20 environment.
Solvents. Added to formulations to dissolve organic soils = and=20 prevent ingredient separation and deterioration in liquid products, = solvents=20 may have a range of potential health and environmental effects. = Volatile=20 solvents contribute to an unhealthful increase in organic compounds in = the=20 atmosphere. An environmentally informed choice in solvent seeks to = minimize=20 volatility as well as potential health and environmental concerns. = Some=20 solvent classes (like propylene glycol ethers) may have a more = positive=20 profile--for both human health and the environment.
Dyes. A diverse chemical category, dyes vary widely in = their=20 potential environmental and human health effects. As with other = components,=20 DfE can help you evaluate the dyes that you are considering using. = Dyes with=20 more than two acid groups tend to be more soluble in water and less = toxic to=20 aquatic organisms. Dyes with more than two acid groups and = nonmetalized dyes=20 are environmentally preferable choices.
Other Components. EPA recognizes that laundry products = contain a=20 number of other components and substances not mentioned in this paper. = As the=20 DfE Laundry Project progresses and gathers information from = formulators,=20 researchers, and other knowledgeable sources, we will add to the list = of=20 components and ingredients discussed in this paper. For now, we invite = comment=20 on the following components or any others that we might have omitted: = acids=20 and alkalies, antichlor, antimicrobial agents, chelators, corrosion=20 inhibitors, enzymes, hydrotropes, preservatives, soil-suspension and=20 antiredeposition agents, sizing, sours, and suds control agents. =

A Word to Formulators About Selecting Raw Materials

Building a detergent formulation with a more positive = environmental=20 profile may require extra care and scrutiny, especially when = selecting raw=20 materials. Structural and other differences in chemicals of the = same=20 general class and make-up may not be apparent from product = literature or=20 labels, especially for imported chemicals. Descriptions in = distributor or=20 supplier literature and catalogs may define a chemical type, like = alcohol=20 ethoxylate surfactants, but not detail a chemical's actual = structure,=20 e.g., whether a carbon chain is branched or linear--a key = distinction from=20 an environmental standpoint since linear chains biodegrade more = rapidly=20 than branched. Also, sales materials may only list trade names, = often an=20 imprecise descriptor, since the name may remain the same while the = products's composition changes; and on occasion, a product may not = be=20 named correctly. Thus, if a chemical's precise characteristics are = important to you, be sure to obtain from your distributor/supplier = clear=20 identifiers: CAS #, specific chemical name, structural diagram (if = available), and verification that the chemicals you are purchasing = possess=20 the environmentally beneficial attributes you=20 desire.

As a General Rule. The following environmentally = desirable=20 chemical characteristics and attributes, relevant to many detergent = components,=20 should be considered general "rules of thumb" in designing a safer = laundry=20 formulation.

Readily Biodegradable. Typically, the environmental profile = of a=20 chemical improves with its rate of biodegradation. According to the=20 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a = chemical is=20 readily biodegradable if, in a 28-day test, it biodegrades 60 percent = or more=20 within 10 days of the time when degradation first reaches 10 = percent.^4<=
/A> Features of readily biodegradable = substances=20 include: (a) hydrophobic components composed of unsaturated linear = alkyl=20 chains and (b) hydro-phobic and hydrophilic components that are linked = by an=20 easily biodegradable group like carboxylic acid ester, which, through = aerobic=20 biodegradation (i.e., ester hydrolysis), will separate the hydrophobe = from the=20 hydrophile during the first step of aerobic biodegradation. =

Keep in=20 mind that while the rate of biodegradation is important, it is equally = important to be aware of the byproducts formed through the degradation = process. In some cases, the products of biodegradation might be more = toxic and=20 persistent than the parent compound.

Neutral pH. Cleaning systems that can run under neutral or=20 near-neutral pH conditions reduce potential human health and = environmental=20 concerns associated with pH altering compounds. Two additives used in = many=20 conventional systems=97alkali breakers (which raise alkalinity at the = beginning=20 of the wash cycle) and low pH sours (which lower alkalinity at the = end)Care a=20 potential hazard to laundry room workers and may contribute to = chemical=20 overuse and waste. One partner company developed an enzyme-enhanced = system=20 that functions at neutral pH with excellent performance.
Less Toxic Polymers. Used at different stages in the = laundering=20 process, polymers fall into a rough order of aquatic toxicity by type. = Nonionic (i.e., neutrally charged) polymers are generally the least=20 aquatically toxic; cationic (i.e., positively charged) polymers tend = to have=20 high acute (i.e., near-term) toxicity to aquatic organisms; and = anionic=20 (i.e., negatively charged) polymers fall between the cationic and = nonionic.=20
Straight-Chain Carbon Molecules. Formulations with straight = or=20 linear carbon (i.e., alkyl) chains might present less environmental = concerns=20 than compounds containing highly branched molecules. Linear alkyl = chains=20 biodegrade more rapidly than highly branched chains. EPA encourages = the use of=20 substitutes for highly branched alkyl chains or highly branched = hydrophobic=20 molecular components like branched alkyls and branched propoxy and = butoxy=20 groups.
Large Molecular Size. The potential for a molecule to be = absorbed=20 and harm an organism is less when the molecule is larger than a = certain size.=20 Molecules with the following characteristics are not available for = passive=20 uptake through the respiratory membranes of aquatic organisms: (a) = molecules=20 with hydrophilic components having large cross-sectional diameters, at = least=20 twice as large as hexabromobenzene (i.e., greater than 10 =C5), or (b) = neutral=20 and anionic surfactants with molecular weights greater than 1,000 = daltons.=20 (Large diameters or high molecular weights will limit toxicity to = surface=20 effects only and will prevent systemic effects.)

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Part II. Innovative Formulations and = Cleaning=20 Processes

In terms of desirable attributes, EPA encourages laundry = formulations=20 and systems that, by their physical-chemical nature, minimize = environmental=20 and human health risks, prevent pollution, and conserve energy and = natural=20 resources. Products and processes with the following attributes depart = from=20 the conventional and represent innovative approaches to accomplish=20 environmental objectives.

A Word About Toxicity Information

Laundry detergent formulators and users have a "right-to-know" = the=20 properties and potential risks--to their employees and = communities-- of=20 the chemicals they use. Manufacturers of raw materials for laundry = detergents have a responsibility to ascertain and communicate the=20 potential toxicity of their products, especially those made and = sold in=20 large quantities. For a basic understanding of a chemical's = toxicity,=20 testing should measure acute and chronic toxicity, developmental = and=20 reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity, ecotoxicity, and = environmental fate.=20 In addition, because the signs of endocrine (i.e., hormonal) = disruption=20 are increasing in many species, detergent ingredients should be = screened=20 for potential effects on the endocrine system.^5<=
/A>

Formulators and users of laundry products should ask their raw = material=20 suppliers and distributors about the toxicity profile of the = chemicals=20 they sell, what test data are available, and what testing is = planned or=20 underway.

Now Available:

Easily Destroyed Surfactants. Designed so that after = they clean=20 they can be rendered nontoxic through a simple, on-site treatment=20 process--guaranteeing lower environmental risk. Easily destroyed=20 surfactants have components that can be separated via chemical or = other=20 nonbiological process^6<=
/A> prior to release. Acid hydrolysis, used = to lower=20 the pH, is an example of such a process. Once the surfactancy is = eliminated,=20 the aqueous segment of the effluent poses lower risk to the aquatic=20 environment. The solids segment containing the soil might be amenable = to reuse=20 or require handling as a hazardous waste.
Ozonated Laundering. May significantly reduce use of = water,=20 energy, and detergents in the washing process. Ozonated laundering = uses=20 ozone, generated by passing oxygen through a high voltage electrical = field, to=20 remove insoluble materials from fabric--usually white items. Injected = into the=20 wash water, ozone reacts chemically with soils making them soluble in = water.=20 Compared with conventional cleaning, ozonated laundering saves = resources by=20 operating at lower temperatures, with fewer rinse cycles, far less=20 detergent--and less drying time. Ozone must be generated on-site and = handled=20 carefully since it is toxic and may cause respiratory irritation. =
Advanced Solvent Washing. Offers the potential to = recover and=20 reuse both the cleaning solvent and the contaminants removed during=20 cleaning. Akin to ordinary dry cleaning, the solvent washing = process uses=20 a petroleum distillate (nonchlorinated) to remove solvent-soluble = soils from=20 oil-laden fabrics--especially shop towels, mats, and absorbents. = Following=20 soil removal, a vacuum distillation tower separates these contaminants = into=20 high-, middle-, and low-grade categories (based on concentration of = organics=20 and flash point). Distillates can be used as fuel for the distillation = tower=20 itself, for offsite cement kilns, or even as recycled cleaning = solvent.=20 Solvent washing requires a final water-wash step to remove = water-soluble=20 contaminants.

Under Development:

Temperature-Dependent Dispersibility. Using temperature = as the=20 controlling factor, self-dispersing (i.e., self-mixing in solution)=20 formulations, though still rare, might offer a simple mechanism to = reduce=20 risk. A desirable self-dispersing surfactant would have melting = points=20 high enough that "micelles" (i.e., a group of large molecules that = surrounds a=20 particle) form only at higher temperatures, greater than 50=B0 C. At = less than=20 25=B0 C, the surfactant would exist as a crystalline solid with very = low water=20 solubility, preferably less than 1 part per billion, and, thus, would=20 precipitate out of solution for safe disposal.
Liquid CO₂-based Formulations. New research = indicates=20 that liquid CO₂ might be a substitute for traditional = solvents in=20 cleaning systems. CO₂ is nontoxic, nonflammable, nonozone=20 depleting, and recyclable. Coupled with a compatible and = environmentally sound=20 surfactant, liquid CO₂ might provide a favorable = alternative to=20 conventional water-based cleaning systems--with good performance, = savings in=20 water use, and lower environmental impacts.
Ultrasonic Cleaning. With potential as an effective = technology to=20 remove particulates from certain fabrics, ultrasonic cleaning could = offer many=20 resource advantages. The technology uses the popping action of = microscopic=20 bubbles to knock dirt from fabric and promises a very short wash = cycle, no=20 mechanical agitation, low energy consumption, and reduced use of = detergent.=20

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Part III. Other Key = Considerations

In addition to open and frank discussion of technical and = scientific=20 issues related to product formulation, a successful partnership might = hinge on=20 several other key elements, in particular, corporate behavior and = general=20 environmental issues.

Corporate Practice

The following considerations speak to a company's environmental = values and=20 ethic. The DfE Program wants partners who recognize the importance of=20 environmental issues and are interested in working with EPA to improve = the=20 environmental profile of their products.

Nature of Product Stewardship Program. EPA seeks = partners with=20 a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, both in their domestic = and=20 foreign operations. The following actions exemplify such a = commitment:

An active program to educate and assist customers in the proper = use and=20 handling of detergent products, with an emphasis on health and = environmental=20 safety. Effective product labeling, technical literature, and trained = sales=20 staff promote customer education. An automated system for dispensing = laundry=20 chemicals, which lowers the potential for worker exposure, is an = example of=20 stewardship that protects customers.
A corporate policy to offer the same environmentally advantageous=20 formulations to foreign markets as are developed and sold = domestically.=20
A corporate policy to eliminate or minimize discharge of wastes, = esp.=20 those that pose environmental hazards, and to promote recycling. =

Commitment to Continuous Improvement. Research and = development=20 efforts at partner companies should focus on the design and redesign of = laundry=20 products that are inherently safer for human health and the environment. = In the=20 spirit of continuous improvement, potential partners should show an = interest in=20 and commitment to working with the DfE Program and EPA technical experts = during=20 the R & D evaluation or product development process.

Willingness to Furnish Measures of Success. Measures of = success=20 are an essential element of any partnership program. Measures of = environmental=20 improvement might include general information on sales and market share, = verification of ingredients for reformulated products, or updates on the = effectiveness of stewardship activities. The DfE Program encourages = partner=20 companies to develop an improvement goals program. A program of this = type would=20 offer internal measures of success (e.g., extension of formula redesign = to other=20 product lines), incentives for ongoing improvement, and an opportunity = for=20 additional EPA recognition.

General Environmental and Product Issues

The following considerations help provide a more complete picture of = a=20 formulation's potential environmental benefits and commercial = viability.

Level of Resource Conservation and Additional Environmental = Benefits.=20 In addition to lowering the potential risks posed by laundry detergent=20 ingredients, EPA would like to encourage development of formulations = that are=20 resource efficient and carry collateral environmental benefits.

Possible goals include:

Lower wash cycle temperatures: saves energy, wear and tear on = fabrics, and=20 decreases environmental release of volatile organic compounds (e.g., = organics=20 in soiled laundry items).
Less water use--through closed-loop water recycling systems, = reduced-cycle=20 cleaning processes, and low-foaming detergents.
Reduced chemical--through more efficient detergent formulations,=20 alternative cleaning technologies, and advanced effluent treatment = systems.=20
Increased fuel value of solid waste stream--for example, from a = higher=20 organic content in the hydrophobic component of the effluent. =

Method for Handling Contaminants on Soiled Laundry. Among the = chemicals=20 involved in the laundry process, EPA recognizes that the contaminants on = soiled=20 laundry items might present the most serious threat to health and the=20 environment. Formulations that are amenable to "splitting" (i.e., = separation) of=20 hydrophobic and hydrophilic components in the waste water or that permit = neutralization of toxic ingredients help reduce pollution and achieve = water=20 quality objectives, like those of EPA's Office of Water.^7<=
/A>

Effective separation of solid and liquid effluent components improves = the=20 quality of laundry waste water, helps meet local Publicly Owned = Treatment Works=20 (POTW) standards, and increases the fuel value of the solid waste = stream.=20 Effective separation techniques also avoid wasteful and inefficient = practices=20 like dilution or process slowdowns--at the laundry facility or POTW. One = innovative formulation for industrial laundering uses pH adjustment to=20 effectively separate oils and grease from the liquid effluent while = neutralizing=20 the surfactant's toxicity to aquatic organisms. (See discussion in Part = II,=20 under "Easily Destroyed Surfactants.")

A Word About POTW Removal Rates

Although the DfE Program seeks detergent formulations with = increased=20 biodegradability and treatability, rates of removal at POTWs are = not a=20 primary factor in assessing the environmental profile of = substitute=20 ingredients. The program's goal is to encourage pollution = prevention-=20 oriented innovations, like formula redesign, rather than = end-of-pipe=20 approaches to reducing potential = risk.

Degree of Product Effectiveness and Affordability. = Cognizant=20 that performance and price are the key elements in most customers' = purchasing=20 decisions, the DfE Program will factor answers to questions like these = into its=20 evaluation:

How well does the product clean or satisfy customer performance = needs?=20
Is the product a viable substitute for current cleaners? Is the = price=20 competitive (i.e., on a cost-per-pound-of-laundry-cleaned basis) or = can=20 potential resource savings or environmental benefits compensate for a = higher=20 price?

DfE welcomes comments on any aspect of the Industrial and = Institutional=20 Laundry Initiative. (See contact information below.)=20

Endnotes:

1. The program uses the terms "detergent," = "cleaner," and=20 "formulation" interchangeably to designate a multi-ingredient product = used to=20 wash industrial and institutional laundry items. back

2. The program intends for the term = "environmental=20 profile" to encompass both potential environmental (i.e., ecological) = and human=20 health effects. back

3. Schiff bases are a class of compounds = derived by the=20 chemical reaction of aldehydes or ketones with primary amines. back

4. For more information on the OECD criteria, = see Risk=20 Assessment of Existing Substances: Technical Guidance Document, no.=20 XI/919/94-EN, published by the European Commission. back

5. The endocrine system controls systemic = functions, like=20 metabolism, reproduction, and growth, in humans and other organisms. The = thyroid=20 and pituitary glands are both part of the endocrine system. back

6. Examples of nonbiological processes that = promote=20 destruction of surfactancy include hydrophobe-hydrophile linkages formed = with=20 acid chlorides, peroxides, and Schiff bases; destruction half-lives = should be=20 less than 1 hour. back

7. For the industrial laundry sector, EPA's = Office of=20 Water currently lists 73 pollutants of concern. The following are among = the most=20 toxic and/or potentially bioaccumulative, posing a threat to aquatic = organisms=20 and to humans via the food chain: mercury, lead, zinc, cadmium, cyanide, = TPH=20 (naphthalene fraction), xylene, ethyl benzene, toluene, and = tetrachloroethane.=20 back

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What Is Design for the = Environment?

EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) Program is a voluntary = initiative that=20 forms partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups in an effort = to:

Encourage businesses to incorporate environmental concerns, in = addition to=20 the traditional criteria of cost and performance, into their = decisions.=20
Effect behavior change to facilitate continuous environmental = improvement.=20

To accomplish these goals, the program uses EPA's expertise and = leadership to=20 evaluate the human health and environmental risks, performance, and cost = of=20 traditional and alternative technologies, materials, and processes. DfE=20 disseminates information on its work to all interested parties and = assists=20 businesses in implementing cleaner technologies identified through the=20 program.

The program has formed cooperative partnerships with the following=20 industries:

Printed wiring board=20
Computer display=20
Printing=20
Garment and textile care=20
Automotive refinishing=20
Industrial and institutional laundry

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How Can I Get More Information or = Comment on This=20 Project?

For more information about Design for the Environment's Industrial = and=20 Institutional Laundry Initiative, contact:

David Di Fiore, Project Manager
U. S. Environmental Protection=20 Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW. (7406)
Washington, DC=20 20460
Telephone: 202 564-8796
Fax: 202 260-0981
E-mail: difiore.david@epa.gov

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3D"Office

Considerations=20 for Partnership

Invitation to Partner

Part I. Improved Formulations

Formulators can improve the environmental profile of = conventional=20 cleaning products by using ingredients that are less toxic, less = persistent,=20 nonbioaccumulative, and that degrade to chemicals with similar = beneficial=20 characteristics.

A Word to Formulators About Selecting Raw Materials

Part II. Innovative Formulations and = Cleaning=20 Processes

A Word About Toxicity Information

Now Available:

Under Development:

Part III. Other Key = Considerations

Corporate Practice

General Environmental and Product Issues

A Word About POTW Removal Rates

Endnotes:

What Is Design for the = Environment?

How Can I Get More Information or = Comment on This=20 Project?

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