Hyper-Low 1,4-Dioxane Content in Ethoxy Sulphates – Ballestra Technology

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced in 2023 a restriction proposal on 1,4-dioxane, initiated by the German authorities. 1,4-dioxane is present as an impurity in various ethoxylated non-ionic and anionic surfactants used in a wide range of products on the EU market, including detergents, home and personal care, and industrial and institutional products. Two potential restriction scenarios are currently under discussion by ECHA. The milder scenario restricts EU manufacturers of SLES, allowing a maximum of 10 ppm (100% AM) of 1,4-dioxane; the stricter scenario sets the limit at 1 ppm (100% AM) of 1,4-dioxane.

Ballestra is well-known for developing cutting-edge technologies for the surfactant industries to comply with the most stringent product quality and new regulations. At the end of the 2000s, Ballestra launched the Vacuum Neutralization technology, capable of removing 1,4-dioxane at zero energy cost. The upcoming regulation forces Ballestra to develop and launch a new technology that meets the most stringent restriction, achieving 1 ppm of 1,4-dioxane with minimal energy consumption.