Innovative Ambimization^® technology improves employee health & safety, reduces VOCs by 99% and decreases waste by 75% in Scott Bader UK’s paste plant.

Scott Bader, a global manufacturer of advanced composites, structural adhesives, and functional polymers, announced that it has been named a winner of the 2023 Chemicals Northwest Awards for Sustainability and Health & Safety. The Awards recognize outstanding contributions to sustainability and health & safety across a project and/or its wider business practice, leading to measurable positive change.

Historically, adhesives and bonding pastes are very difficult to clean, often requiring acetone, a highly flammable chemical, and complex safety processes to ensure employee wellbeing. These cleaning processes can be extremely wasteful and inherently hazardous due to the extreme flammability of acetone.

Looking for a safer and more sustainable approach, Scott Bader implemented Ambimization®, a water-based cleaning solution from Terrafend, to clean the mixing heads and moveable vessels used to manufacture their leading range of structural adhesives and composite materials. Following the implementation of Ambimization®, Scott Bader UK has reduced the use of acetone by 50% in their paste plant, cutting its VOC usage by 99%. In addition, the innovative cleaning solution can be reused up to 20 times, reducing the paste plant’s waste by 75% and its overall water consumption.

Terrafend’s patented Ambimization® technology combines chemical and mechanical engineering to provide a revolutionary approach to cleaning. Ambimization® water-based fluids are non-flammable, non-carcinogenic and non-toxic. They work at ambient temperature and can be used repeatedly before reaching end of life, thus reducing workplace risk, energy consumption, and VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds).

The possibility of ceasing or reducing the use of acetone as a cleaning material is also a significant step forward in terms of health and safety improvements on chemical production sites. Jamie Akister, Plant Support Manager, Scott Bader UK said, “Scott Bader UK plans to be acetone free for cleaning all vessels in their paste plant by the end of Q1 this year. We have worked hard to implement a solvent free and environmentally friendly cleaning solution in the paste plant and hope to transfer this across the site and global group where applicable.”

“Sustainability is at the heart of our vision to unlock the extraordinary potential of a circular economy with sustainable solutions that manufacturers – and the planet– can rely on,” said Emily Cassius, Head of Commercial at Terrafend. “With Ambimization®, manufacturers can reduce their waste outputs by up to 93.3%, decrease VOCs by up to 99.6%, and eliminate solvents entirely. We look forward to our continued work with Scott Bader as they strive to make a positive social impact wherever they operate.”