INTERPHEX 2024: Achieving a Balance Between Effectiveness, Cost, Safety, and Environmental Impact in Manufacturing Environment Disinfection
During INTERPHEX 2024, Wenyu Zhang, PhD, discussed the latest developments in the aseptic industry and highlighted important factors that companies need to take into account when making decisions.
At INTERPHEX 2024 in New York City, Wenyu Zhang, PhD, R&D Director, Berkshire Corporation, delivered a presentation on the latest developments in cleaning and disinfection of manufacturing environments. Zhang discussed the important considerations that manufacturers need to keep in mind when selecting cleaners and disinfectants. Zhang examined the existing practices, discussing their advantages and difficulties, including the use of chemicals, textile tools, and devices. He also discussed recent developments in the industry and important considerations for companies.
When discussing the current challenges in the sanitation sector, Zhang emphasized the five main considerations that companies take into account when choosing aseptic products. These include the product's overall effectiveness, its safety for both the equipment and users, its environmental impact in terms of waste, water, and air contamination, its sustainability, the number of personnel required to use it, the training needed, and the overall cost.
At present, the industry heavily depends on chemical-based cleaners and disinfectants, including solvents, detergents, sanitizers, disinfectants, and sporicides. Aside from water, which is ideal for most basic needs but limited to water-soluble substances, there are various other organic solvents available. These include alcohols, hydrocarbons, esters, ketones, glycols, and halogenated solvents. These products are typically affordable, but they can pose risks to the environment and users due to their petroleum-based composition and potential negative health effects. When it comes to detergent, surfactants are commonly employed to effectively combine water and oil. Users have a lot of control when it comes to adjusting the combination variables. They can determine the speed at which water enters the oil, the amount of foam generated, and how long it lasts. Surfactants are a lucrative industry, projected to generate between $35 billion and $55 billion in 2022. However, it is important to note that surfactants heavily rely on fossil fuels, which can contribute to elevated levels of aquatic toxicity and bioaccumulation, as highlighted by Zhang.
Similar to organic solvents and surfactants, there is a cost associated with most current aseptic products. Chlorine chemistries are a cost-effective and efficient cleaner that do not leave a lasting impact on the environment. However, it is important to note that they have a short shelf life and require careful handling. Quaternary ammoniums, a commonly used type of disinfectant, are known for their affordability, effectiveness, and safety. However, there have been ongoing discussions regarding their potential for bioaccumulation and long-term toxicity. There is a potential for future products to address these gaps and provide a solution.
Source: INTERPHEX 2024
