The major applications of a solvent are removal of coating (e.g. paints, varnishes), greases, oils and printing inks as well as industrial cleaners. However, most of the conventional cleaning agents are derived from petroleum, which are usually associated with occupational health risks and environment problems. Many conventional chlorinated, fluorocarbon and petroleum industrial solvents have been regulated out of market applications since the enactment of Clean Air Act 1990 (Environmental Protection Agency, USA). Thus, there is a need and demand of an environment-friendly, biodegradable and safe cleaning agent. The current worldwide solvent market stands at 15 million tonnes per year with domestic applications amounting to five million tonnes. Green or bio-based solvent demand stands at 10% of the domestic market demand, i.e. about 0.5 million tonnes. The green solvent market is a niche and strong growing market. The demand for hydrocarbon and chlorinated solvents, on the other hand, will continue its downward trend as a result of environmental regulations, with oxygenated and green solvents replacing them to a large extent.

Main Research: Dr Choo Yuen May