Understanding the Impact of 1,4-Dioxane and Looking at Alternatives
In this article, we will be exploring the issue of 1,4-dioxane - a by-product that has raised significant health and environmental concerns. We'll explore what 1,4-dioxane is, how it is produced, its presence in consumer products, associated health risks, regulatory measures, and our proactive approach in offering solutions that are either free-from or contain lower levels of 1,4-dioxane.
What is 1,4-Dioxane?
1,4-Dioxane is a by-product of ethoxylation, a chemical reaction in which ethylene oxide is added to other chemicals to make them more soluble in water.
Ethoxylated surfactants are commonly used in cleaning products due to the role they play as emulsifiers, wetting agents, detergents, foaming agents, and dispersants. Because of this, 1,4-dioxane is often found in trace amounts in products such as laundry detergents, dish soaps and floor cleaners. The concentration of 1,4-dioxane in these products is usually low, but its widespread use has led to growing concerns among consumers and regulators.
Despite being present in these consumer products, 1,4-Dioxane is not intentionally added, it is a result of the ethoxylation process. This process is integral in creating ingredients like Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES), a common surfactant used for its foaming properties. Despite its effectiveness, the inadvertent production of 1,4-dioxane during this process poses significant challenges.
Health Concerns Associated with 1,4-Dioxane
Research indicates that 1,4-dioxane is a potential human carcinogen, and prolonged exposure has been linked to:
- Liver and kidney damage
- Respiratory issues
- Skin irritation
- Cancer
Given these risks, there is an increasing demand for products that are free from 1,4-dioxane, both from a regulatory and consumer standpoint.
Global Regulations on 1,4-Dioxane
Regulatory bodies around the world have started to impose strict limits on the allowable concentration of 1,4-dioxane in consumer products. Key regulations include:
United States: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has listed 1,4-dioxane as a probable human carcinogen. The state of New York has enacted legislation to limit 1,4-dioxane in cleaning agents to 1 ppm by the end of 2023 and 0.1 ppm by the end of 2025.
Asia: Since June 19, 2023, ASEAN countries have put regulations in place to limit the concentration of 1,4-dioxane in personal care products to a maximum of 10ppm.
European Union: The EU has listed 1,4-dioxane as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) as well as listing it as carcinogenic. A formal EU restriction is expected to be submitted by Germany by October 2025, with many anticipating the tightest restrictions seen to date.
Impact on HI&I Producers
Legislation and shifting consumer preferences are pushing HI&I product producers to reformulate their products to reduce or eliminate 1,4-dioxane. This is leading to challenges such as maintaining efficacy of existing products and difficulty sourcing suitable alternative raw materials.
An Alternative: Alpha-Olefin sulfonates (AOS)
Alpha-Olefin Sulfonates (AOS) are emerging as the primary candidate to replace traditional ethoxylated surfactants like SLES. AOS provide many benefits including:
- 1,4-Dioxane free
- Ecolabel compliant and readily biodegradable
- Easy to handle and formulate with no heat required
- Hard water tolerant and stable in both acid and alkali
- Zero aquatic toxicity with only moderate skin irritancy
- Superior detergency and performance at elevated electrolyte levels vs LAS
- Luxurious, creamy and voluminous foam profile
Next Steps for HI&I Product Producers
For HI&I producers looking to transition to 1,4-dioxane-free products, the following steps are crucial:
- Evaluate Current Formulations: Calculate the amount of 1,4-dioxane there is in your formulations. Your surfactants supplier should provide declarations about how much 1,4 dioxane their surfactants contain.
- Research and Development: Begin to reformulate your products so that they meet safety and performance standards. We can help with this.
- Stay Informed on Regulations: Keep up to date with global regulatory changes to ensure compliance.
- Educate Consumers: Highlight the benefits of 1,4-dioxane-free products to build consumer trust and demand.
How we can help
At IMCD HI&I, we are committed to finding solutions to the 1,4-dioxane challenge, including:
- Working with principals who are highly aware, responsible and committed to improving their processes to deliver the smallest amount of 1,4-dioxane.
- Utilising our global network of application laboratories and team of experts to develop innovative formulations that are safe, effective, and compliant with regulatory standards.
- Providing our partners and customers with the latest information and guidance on regulatory changes and safe alternatives, as well as hosting supplier and customer days in our application laboratories to demonstrate the latest solutions.
Conclusion
As the demand for safer, 1,4-dioxane-free products grows, IMCD HI&I is dedicated to leading the way in providing effective and compliant solutions. Through strategic partnerships, innovative formulation development, and a commitment to regulatory compliance, we are actively helping our partners and customers navigate this complex landscape.
By leveraging our technical expertise and portfolio of sustainable solutions, we can assist in reformulating your product lines to incorporate surfactants such as AOS or other safe alternatives, ensuring your products meet consumer demands and regulatory requirements while maintaining product efficacy.
Watch the Innospec 1,4-Dioxane Webinar!
Formulating 1,4-Dioxane Free: AOS as SLES Alternative
Join Innospec expert Alessandra Andreoli for a detailed look at the current global regulatory status of 1,4-dioxane, using AOS as an SLES alternative, and how Innospec are leading the way in safe and efficient solutions.