Industrial degreasing in hard water – how Hansanyl OS improves process efficiency

The formulation of industrial cleaning agents requires raw materials that retain maximum performance even under the most demanding process conditions. One of the key challenges in the European HI&I (Household, Industrial & Institutional) market remains high water hardness, which reduces the performance of conventional surfactants. For purchasers and process engineers, this means one thing: the need to find chemically stable alternatives that continue to perform where conventional soaps fail.

This is precisely where Hansanyl OS (alpha-olefin sulfonate, AOS) stands out as a key solution – being a surfactant with high resistance to hard water that minimises deposit formation while helping to reduce maintenance costs and optimise dosing. 

The limitations of soaps and the advantages of sulfonates

Traditional soaps based on sodium salts of fatty acids show a significant loss of performance in the presence of calcium and magnesium ions. These cations react with the carboxyl group to form insoluble precipitates known as lime soaps.

The consequences for industrial operations are significant:

• Dramatic reduction in cleaning performance: The precipitated surfactant is unable to form micelles and remove grease effectively.
• Surface contamination: Insoluble residues leave stains on cleaned parts, preventing high-quality coating or electroplating.
• Fouling of equipment: Lime deposits clog spray nozzles and filters in washing lines, increasing maintenance costs and downtime.

By contrast, the sulfonate group in the Hansanyl range sterically and electronically inhibits the formation of these precipitates. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of our alpha-olefin sulfonates (AOS) remains virtually unchanged even under conditions of extreme water mineralisation. For industrial formulators, this means predictable performance, stable viscosity and excellent storage stability, without the risk of clouding or phase separation.

Price stability without dependence on palm oil

While the market for surfactants such as SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate) and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) continues to face price shocks and volatility linked to the palm kernel oil (PKO) market, Hansanyl OS represents a strategic safeguard.

As a synthetic product, it is not subject to RSPO certification requirements, which is a major advantage. This eliminates the administrative burden associated with RSPO audits while, above all, providing a raw material with significantly more stable pricing. In addition, thanks to its high active matter content (up to 40%), Hansanyl OS enables more efficient dosing in formulations compared with standard diluted alternatives. 

Regulatory compliance and green ESG reporting

Today, raw material sourcing is no longer determined solely by price per kilogram, but also by demonstrable safety and compliance. Hansanyl OS, manufactured by ENASPOL, complies with the strictest European standards:

• 1,4-Dioxane-free: Unlike ethoxylated surfactants, our technology produces a surfactant that is free from 1,4-Dioxane.
• Excellent biodegradability: The product is readily biodegradable, achieving 99.7% degradation within 28 days – an outstanding result across the HI&I segment.
• Safety: Compared with other anionic surfactants, such as LAS (linear alkylbenzene sulfonate) or SLS, AOS offers a more favourable toxicological profile and lower irritation potential. 

Supply chain reliability

In today’s climate of global instability, relying on imports from Asia represents a significant risk. ENASPOL operates production facilities in two strategic European locations – in the Czech Republic and in Düren, Germany. This model gives manufacturers exceptional protection against supply chain disruptions and eliminates risks associated with delays in maritime transport.

“A reliable supplier must guarantee not only chemical purity and precise specifications, but also complete logistical flexibility without unnecessary purchasing restrictions.”

Our business approach is built around removing barriers:

1. No rigid MOQs: We supply the quantities you actually need, helping you avoid tying up capital in excess inventory.
2. Technical R&D support: We offer the rapid delivery of laboratory samples and the option to adjust product parameters, such as pH and concentration, precisely to suit your production line.
3. Direct communication: You communicate directly with technical specialists who understand real operational challenges, not anonymous call centres.

Technical integration and synergy

Integrating the Hansanyl range into existing formulations is a straightforward process. AOS shows excellent synergy with both non-ionic and amphoteric co-surfactants. In industrial cleaning applications such as CIP cleaning systems in the food industry, alkaline metal degreasing or car shampoo formulations, Hansanyl OS provides immediate surface wettability and high foaming performance independent of water hardness.

In direct comparison with LAS, SLES and SLS, Hansanyl OS stands out as a highly effective alternative combining high performance, environmental compatibility and cost efficiency.

Looking to reduce chemical consumption and optimise your degreasing process?

Contact our technical specialists. We will provide technical data sheets, free samples and recommendations on how to integrate Hansanyl OS efficiently into your operational processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why is Hansanyl OS better than traditional soap in hard water?
Soap reacts with calcium to form insoluble deposits known as lime soap, which reduce cleaning efficiency and contaminate surfaces. AOS remains stable and fully effective even in extremely hard water.

Does AOS require RSPO certification?
No. Hansanyl OS is of synthetic origin, which means stable pricing independent of palm oil and no administrative burden associated with RSPO certification.

What is the environmental impact of AOS?
Very favourable. It is readily biodegradable, with almost complete degradation within 28 days, and has low aquatic toxicity, making it a strong fit for modern ESG strategies.

Is Hansanyl OS safe in terms of residues?
Yes. Our batches are 1,4-dioxane-free, which significantly simplifies compliance with REACH legislation and safety standards.