LCA of cleaning and degreasing agents in the metal industry

An LCA of cleaning and degreasing agents in the metal industry was carried out. A comparison was made between a solvent product (VOC: a mixture of dearomatised hydrocarbons) and two products derived from vegetable oils (VOFA: rapeseed methyl ester and ethylhexyl laurate derived from coconut oil). The comparison was based on 1000 kg of used product. Results from the inventory and characterisation show that VOFA are environmentally favourable on aspects related to their low volatility and their use of renewable resources. However, they are less favourable on aspects predominantly related to cultivation of the crops. The environmental favourability of VOFA compared to VOC is strongly dependent upon the amounts needed for the task to be performed. Incorporation of data from practical experience concerning the use and waste treatment of VOFA in the metal industry may possibly further improve the environmental profile of VOFA. This work was presented at the 17th Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), November 19,1996, in Washington, DC. It was one of a series of presentations during the LCA session.