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THE 100% BIODEGRADABLE DO NOT EXIST!
Since 1983, MATT CHEM has been a creator of maintenance products and concepts for industrial and marine applications.Specialities and solutions proposed by MATT CHEM, conform to the legal
requirements, notably the EEC regulatory requirements in respect of biodegradability and ecotoxicity which requires rigorous selection of the raw materials.
The different surface active agents (tensioactives) used in our compounds
satisfy the newly applicable EEC regulations relating to detergents and their biodegradability.
It goes without saying that MATT CHEM is concerned about the future impact of its products on the environment and as such in minimising any effect on fauna and flora and equally relating to the provision of information indispensible to its end-users to ensure that they observe recommended doses, conditions of use and application.
Because of this, MATT CHEM does not follow the current exclusive marketing and advertising “mode” which is based on "headline claims" such as 100%
ecological, 100% environmental, 100% green, 100% natural … Indeed, reading such slogans can result in the consumer reaching erroneous conclusions. It is very important to express such affirmations in a more subtle manner, which does not lead to confusion!
For example, the indication 100% biodegradable never specifies whether it
relates solely to 100% of the formula or only 100% of the tensioactives.
Another example, the indication 100% natural can lead to confusion. One needs to know whether the raw materials used in the composition of certain products with an “eco-label” are mineral oil-based or not. By contrast, surface active agents of vegetable origin may have been chemically transformed.
Once again, the 100% natural label misleads the consumer.
Finally, it is very important to know whether vegetable extracts could be just as toxic to fauna and flora as any synthetic extracts. In the end, it depends on the dose!!!
We’ll give you an example: 95% alcohol is highly toxic. Whilst at 40% alcohol can be assimilated and is biodegradable (e.g. Cognac, Calvados...).
It should also be recognised that each raw material of vegetable origin, cannot be used directly in a formulation. The molecules must first be extracted, modified,
separated, either by chemical action or by biochemical action.
When a product is indicated as being biodegradable by more than 90%, this does not mean that the remaining 10% is not biodegradable. Biodegradability is measured based on tests effected in the presence or absence of air over a number of days
defined by the EEC directive on detergents.
Finally, it should not be forgotten that a written claim on a label “Biodegradability greater than 90%” could simply indicate that the detergent comprises more than 90% water!!!