Alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEO) are a family of synthetic organic chemicals being used for many industries for their surfactant properties.
Among all the alkylphenol ethoxylates, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEO) are the most widely used in industry (production of plastics, paints, inks, adhesives, ...). NPEO are degraded in the environment into nonylphenols, which are endocrine disruptors.
Like nonylphenols, octylphenols resulting from the degradation in the environment of octylphenol ethoxylates (OPEO) are endocrine disruptors. However, the use of octylphenol ethoxylates is much less widespread than that of nonylphenol ethoxylates, it concerns primarily the production of polymers used in tires, paints and the formulation of pesticides.
Due to the confirmed toxicity of nonylphenols and octylphenols, their precursors, namely nonylphenol ethoxylates and octylphenol ethoxylates, have been included in the list of substances of the Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation and their use will be subject to authorization from 4th January 2021.
On these web pages, we present information on various alternatives to alkylphenol ethoxylates or on alternatives to products or materials that require alkylphenol ethoxylates. They are illustrated with accurate examples of substitution and from concrete practices or experiences conducted in industry.
Do not hesitate to share your experiences of substitution or your proposals of alternatives via the Contact section!