What Makes a Degreaser Truly ‘Eco-Friendly’? A Buyer’s Guide

Sustainable Cleaning Starts with Smart Choices

“Eco-friendly” is everywhere—from laundry soap to industrial degreasers. But when it comes to heavy-duty cleaning in commercial or manufacturing environments, not all green labels mean the same thing. If you’re in charge of sourcing cleaning products for your shop, plant, or maintenance team, it’s worth understanding what actually qualifies a degreaser as environmentally responsible—and what might just be clever marketing.

At Green Power Chemical, we’ve been designing eco-conscious cleaning solutions for over 40 years. Here’s a breakdown of what to look for—and why it matters.

1. Biodegradability: Will It Break Down Safely?

A key sign of an eco-friendly degreaser is its ability to biodegrade. This means it breaks down into non-toxic components through natural biological processes, without leaving harmful residues in soil or water systems.

Some conventional solvents can persist in the environment or leach into groundwater, creating long-term risks. A true eco-friendly formula should fully degrade within a reasonable timeframe and meet standards set by agencies like the EPA or OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development).

What to look for:

• Biodegradable or “readily biodegradable” on the label
• Absence of petroleum distillates or chlorinated solvents
• Product data sheets confirming decomposition timeframes

Green Power Chemical’s aqueous and citrus-based degreasers—like Citra-Blend and Green Power NF—are designed with biodegradable surfactants that clean effectively without lingering in the environment.

2. Low or No Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs are carbon-based chemicals that evaporate easily and contribute to air pollution and indoor air quality issues. Many harsh solvents release high levels of VOCs, which can pose health risks to workers and require special handling under OSHA regulations.

A genuinely eco-conscious degreaser should be low-VOC or VOC-free, reducing fumes and improving air safety on the job.

What to look for:

• VOC content listed on the product’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Compliance with local or state emissions regulations (e.g., California’s SCAQMD Rule 1171)



Green Power offers multiple low-VOC and no-VOC formulas, making them a smart choice for facilities looking to improve indoor air quality and reduce regulatory exposure.

3. Non-Flammable and Non-Toxic Formulas

Eco-friendly degreasers should also be safer to store and use—especially in high-volume or high-heat operations. Traditional degreasers like acetone or MEK are highly flammable and toxic, requiring special ventilation, PPE, and fire risk mitigation.

Green alternatives such as Rapid Resin Clean or The Natural replace these harsh solvents with non-flammable, non-toxic options that are safer for both people and facilities—without sacrificing cleaning power.

What to look for:

• Flash point above 140°F or non-flammable classification
• No hazardous components listed under SARA or OSHA GHS guidelines
• Designed for safe use on a variety of materials (metals, plastics, electronic parts, etc.)
  

4. Safe for Equipment and Operators

A good green degreaser should clean thoroughly without damaging surfaces or endangering users. Look for products that are:

• Non-corrosive
• Compatible with common parts washer brands
• Skin-safe or labeled as low-dermal irritation



Green Power’s aqueous formulas, including Planisol-M and TASC, are phosphate-free and rust-inhibited, making them safe for use in ultrasonic washers, spray tanks, and floor cleaning systems.

5. Backed by Real-World Use and Support

Beyond labels, one of the best signs of a truly eco-conscious product is how well it performs in real environments. If it doesn’t work, teams will default back to old-school solvents—negating any green intentions.

At Green Power Chemical, we provide consultation and customization support, helping facilities match the right degreaser to their equipment, contaminants, and safety goals. Our decades of experience mean we’re not just selling formulas—we’re offering solutions.

Make the Smart (and Safe) Switch

Not all “green” degreasers are created equal. By understanding what makes a product truly eco-friendly—biodegradability, low VOCs, safety, and effectiveness—you can make more informed choices that benefit your business, your team, and the environment.

Ready to switch to better-performing, safer degreasers?

Call us at (800) 932-9371 or email sales@greenpowerchemical.com for guidance, samples, or a quote. Let’s clean smarter—together.