As part of our commitment to protecting the environment, we would like to share the numerous ways in which Dalcon Hygiene is continually minimising the size and effect of our ecological footprint.
Many parabens have the capacity to cause severe dermatitis in people, as confirmed in research undertaken by Transparency Market Research for their study on the Biodegradable Cleaners Market where it has been found that “traditional cleaners are comprised of harsh chemicals associated with various diseases such as cancers, respiratory ailments, reproductive disorders, and eye or skin irritation”. Exposure to some parabens can also create an unnatural upregulation of estrogenic activity in both men and women.
Furthermore, we have opted for phosphate free alternatives wherever possible. The introduction of phosphates into aqueous environments acts as a fertiliser for algae, resulting in an over-growth of algae, commonly called algae bloom. This reduces water quality which can lead to decreased biodiversity and increased toxicity of water sources. Due to our commitment to seeking phosphate-free alternatives, we now offer a wide range of products such as disinfectants, odour neutraliser, window cleaner and more that are completely phosphate-free.
We are extremely conscious of the detrimental effect that chemicals can have on the environment and its various ecosystems. For that reason, a whopping 85% of our product range is completely biodegradable. We have achieved this by opting for modern alternatives that can readily be broken down into natural elements by organisms such as bacteria and fungi. These ingredients also adhere to the Australian Standards for Biodegradability of Surfactants (AS4351: 1996).
Palm oil is widely used as a surfactant in cleaning products such as detergents, floor cleaners, and soaps. Unfortunately, despite its efficacy, palm oil production has significant negative impacts on the environment, causing changes in ecosystems from soil erosion to climate change. The unsettling of natural ecosystems threatens both the native species and indigenous communities that dwell within palm forests. At Dalcon Hygiene, we have decided to use superior, sustainable, raw materials wherever possible in order to preserve huge areas of rainforest and protect native species from large-scale deforestation.
In addition to our commitment to the environment, we are also dedicated to improving our sustainable manufacturing techniques by increasing our use of renewable resources for powering our operations. As a result, we have switched from grid power generated by coal and natural gas to renewable sources of clean energy, with solar panels powering our manufacturing and office operations by generating approximately 50 kilowatts of clean energy per hour.
With the numerous ecological challenges facing the planet, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years towards the utilisation of both environmentally friendly inputs and sustainable manufacturing techniques. Traditionally, many cleaning chemicals contained predominantly harsh and toxic chemicals and, while their efficiency could not be doubted, the negative externalities caused by these chemicals had, and continue to have, long-lasting detrimental effects on the environment and its various delicate ecosystems. Dalcon Hygiene forgoes these toxic and harsh chemicals in favour of plant-based raw materials wherever possible. This means that many of the raw materials we use to formulate our highly effective range of cleaning chemicals are derived from plant material as opposed to being entirely synthesised.
According to Humane Society International, between 100,000 and 200,000 animals suffer and die every year as a result of chemical and cosmetic testing. While the testing of certain products (such as medicines and vaccines) on animals is a difficult necessity for the safety of humans, there are no products at Dalcon Hygiene which require animal testing. We are proud of the alternative methods of testing utilised by our chemists for determining the efficacy of our products.
Finally, where possible, we have taken this commitment one step further. For as many products as possible, not only do we not test on animals, but we also avoid animal products altogether. We are constantly on the lookout for vegan friendly alternatives for all components of our various products.
Look out for our product stamps on each of our products to discover which of our products adhere to each sustainable guideline. As we continue to innovate, it is our hope that more and more of these stamps will find their way onto an increasing number of our products.