APEO (Alkylphenol Ethoxylates)
The most important APEOs or alkyl phenol ethoxylates for the textile industry are NPEOs (Nonylphenol ethoxylates) and OPEOs (Octylphenol ethoxylates) due to their detergent properties. APEOs are usually present in detergents, cleaning agents as well as other chemicals used for textile or leather production.
Approved DyStar Quality
DyStar stopped the use of APEO in the manufacture of all global dyestuff and pigment preparations before in 2001 the European Union agreed on a program for the cessation or phasing-out of AP and APEO, and 2003 EU directive 2003/53/EC was enacted (adopted to REACh Annex XVII by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 552/2009). This statement is also valid for DyStar textile auxiliaries.
APEOs have hormone disruptive properties and they are toxic to aquatic organisms. They degrade by losing ethoxylate groups and eventually form extremely harmful Nonylphenol or Octylphenol (NP/OP). NP mimics oestrogen, a human hormone and this has been found to cause hormonal disturbances in aquatic life.
Industry Awareness
The Greenpeace reports entitled “Dirty Laundry” has brought these chemicals under renewed scrutiny and it is expected that the use of APEOs in the textile supply chain would eliminated as far as possible.
The DyStar APEO free declaration and products confirmation can be found in eliot.
