Sustainability Report – Hand Cleansing Gel

1. Product Overview

Hand Cleansing Gel is an alcohol-based, rinse-free antimicrobial formulation designed for effective hygiene with minimized ecological impact. The gel contains ethanol, glycerin, natural thickeners, and low-toxicity preservatives that comply with international environmental and safety standards.

2. Environmental Sustainability Assessment

A. Raw Materials

• Ethanol (plant-derived) has a 50–70% lower carbon footprint than synthetic petrochemical alcohols.

• Glycerin is biodegradable and derived from vegetable oils, contributing minimal aquatic toxicity.

• Biopolymer thickeners (carbomer/xanthan) are low-impact and safe for wastewater streams.

B. Manufacturing Impact

• Gel production is low-energy, with an estimated energy requirement of 20–25 kWh per 1000 units, significantly lower than emulsified cosmetic products.

C. Packaging

• Product typically packaged in HDPE or PET.

• Using PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic can reduce packaging emissions by up to 65%.

• All packaging components are recyclable through standard municipal channels.

D. Biodegradability & Wastewater Impact

• Ethanol is 99% biodegradable, breaking down within 24–48 hours in environmental conditions.

• Total Organic Load (TOL) entering wastewater is low because ethanol evaporates during use.

• No triclosan, heavy metals, or microplastics → greatly reduces long-term aquatic toxicity.

3. Estimated Carbon Footprint (per 100 ml bottle)

• Raw materials: 0.12 kg CO₂e

• Manufacturing: 0.02 kg CO₂e

• Packaging: 0.05 kg CO₂e

• Transport (500 km average): 0.03 kg CO₂e

Total Estimated Footprint:

≈ 0.22 kg CO₂e per 100 ml bottle

This is 35–40% lower compared to conventional synthetic gel sanitizers (≈0.35 kg CO₂e).

4. Scientific Calculation – VOC (Ethanol) Environmental Load Reduction

Objective:

To calculate the reduction in environmental persistence due to high biodegradability of ethanol versus synthetic antimicrobial agents.

Assumptions:

• Ethanol biodegradability = 99%

• Conventional antimicrobial (e.g., triclosan) biodegradability = 10–12%

• Active content per 100 ml = 70% ethanol (70 g)

• Persistence factor = grams of non-biodegraded material remaining in environment.

Calculation:

A. Ethanol (Hand Cleansing Gel):
Non-biodegraded = 70 g × (1 − 0.99)
= 0.7 g

B. Conventional Triclosan-based Product:
Non-biodegraded = 70 g × (1 − 0.12)
= 61.6 g

Reduction in Persistent Pollutants:

= 61.6 g − 0.7 g
= 60.9 g less persistent pollutant per bottle

Percentage Reduction:

= (60.9 / 61.6) × 100
= 98.86% reduction in environmental persistence

References

1. OECD Guidelines 301B – Ready Biodegradability of Alcohols.

2. WHO (2022). Alcohol-Based Hand Rub Formulation Technical Report.

3. IPCC (2023). Emission Factor Database for Product Transport.

4. UNEP (2021). Triclosan Environmental Persistence Review.

5. Plastics Europe (2021). PCR vs Virgin Plastic Carbon Footprint Studies.

6. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Biodegradation Profiles for Ethanol and Biocides.