Solvent Choices Are Changing—Is Your Process Sustainable?

How Solvent Recycling Can Help You Stay Ahead of Regulations and Supply Chain Disruptions 

Traditional parts washing solvents like N-propyl bromide (nPB), Trichloroethylene (TCE), Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Methylene Chloride (MC), and N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP) have long been trusted for their cleaning performance. However, growing environmental and health concerns have put these solvents under serious regulatory scrutiny. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• These solvents are being evaluated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for serious health and environmental risks. 

• TCE is facing a proposed full ban due to links with cancer, neurotoxicity and reproductive harm. 

• Stricter Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) regulations are expected, and some solvents may soon be discontinued or phased out due to federal and state restrictions. 

• At the same time, global supply chains for these chemicals are shifting, creating uncertainty in long-term availability and cost stability.
   

Solvents Under Pressure 

From regulatory changes to supply disruptions, manufacturers are feeling the squeeze. Solvents once seen as safer alternatives—such as hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)—are also being phased down: 

• HFEs and HFCs are linked to global warming and have been classified as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), triggering new environmental concerns. 

• 3M has announced it will cease manufacturing PFAS and Novec™ solvents by 2025. 

• The American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act mandates a phasedown of HFC production—40% by 2024 and 85% by 2036. 
• These changes, combined with offshore production and rising tariffs, are reshaping solvent supply chains. 
  
  

So What Can Manufacturers Do? 
Consider Recycling as a Long-Term Solution 

One of the most effective ways to prepare your operation for regulatory and supply challenges is to implement solvent recycling. A production recycling solution allows facilities to distill, Recycle, Recover and Reuse their solvents—whether chlorinated, brominated, or fluorinated. 

Key Benefits of Solvent Recycling: 

• Lower Solvent Acquisition Costs: Cut solvent purchasing expenses by up to 95%. 

• Reduced Waste Disposal: Minimize hazardous waste volumes, lowering your waste generator status and disposal costs. 

• Greater Process Flexibility: Extend the usability of your current solvents while evaluating alternatives. 

• Operational Efficiency: Semi- and fully-automated systems reduce labor and improve workflow. 

• Environmental Responsibility: Recycling supports long-term sustainability goals while reducing your carbon footprint. 

Rather than relying on volatile supply chains or constantly shifting regulations, solvent recycling gives you more control. By recovering and reusing the solvent already in your process, you can essentially Become Your Own Solvent Supplier ™—maintaining performance while gaining stability. 

CBG Biotech’s SolvTrue™ industrial solvent recyclers make this possible. Our systems are designed to help you reduce costs, meet sustainability goals, and stay ahead of compliance challenges. 

Let’s talk about how to build a more resilient, sustainable parts cleaning process with solvent recycling.

Check out these other helpful resources: 

Blog Post: How to Become Your Own Solvent Supplier
Solvent recovery systems enable you to use the solvents you have already purchased, benefiting your manufacturing operations.   

Blog Post: 5 Ways to Improve Operational Efficiency in Manufacturing Facilities 
Improving operational efficiency starts with smarter solvent use—recycling is a practical, sustainable way to cut costs and reduce waste. 

Blog Post: Parts Washing Solvents: The Importance of Clean Solvents 
Clean solvents deliver better cleaning performance—recycling ensures you get the most from every drop.