At Innovation Chem, research and development isn’t just about chemistry — it’s about anticipating market needs, solving practical challenges, and making products that are smarter, safer, and more sustainable. One of our latest projects was to create a VOC-free glass cleaner that delivers streak-free clarity without relying on traditional flammable solvents.
Why We Developed a VOC-Free Glass Cleaner
Conventional glass cleaners often contain isopropanol (IPA) or ethanol — volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that flash off quickly, helping to give that “fast-dry” effect. But there are three major reasons we chose to move beyond this approach:
- Sustainability: VOCs contribute to smog formation and carry eco-tox concerns. Eliminating them reduces environmental impact and creates a cleaner, greener profile.
- Shipping & Export: Solvent-based glass cleaners are classed as flammable liquids. This restricts air freight and drives up costs for international customers. By developing a VOC-free formula, we make global distribution simpler, cheaper, and safer.
- Consumer Safety: Removing flammable, strong-smelling solvents means a safer, lower-odour product for users, without sacrificing performance.
Put simply: we wanted a glass cleaner that performs like the best in the market, but without the environmental or logistical downsides of alcohol-based formulations.
The Lab Development Process
We started at the bench with 500 g and 2.5 kg lab test batches. Our R&D team trialled different combinations of cleaning agents and additives to strike the right balance of performance and sustainability. After dozens of iterations, we landed on a system that worked beautifully at a slightly alkaline pH of 9.5.
To achieve this, we carefully combined biodegradable cleaning agents, eco-friendly wetting agents, and advanced additives designed to minimise streaking. The result is a VOC-free glass cleaner that dries quickly, leaves a crystal-clear finish, and is safe for both people and the planet.
Performance & QC Testing
Every R&D project at Innovation Chem goes through rigorous performance and stability testing before scale-up. For our VOC-free glass cleaner, this included:
- Wipe tests on different glass and mirror surfaces (checking for clarity, speed of drying, and streaks).
- Stability trials at 5 °C, room temperature, and 40 °C — ensuring no phase separation or hazing.
- Compatibility checks on plastic and coated glass surfaces.
We also benchmarked it against solvent-based products — and the results showed that the VOC-free cleaner matched or outperformed them on both cleaning power and streak-free finish.
Scaling to Production
Once the lab results were consistent, we scaled to a 1000 kg pilot batch in our mixing vessels. This stage ensures that a formula that works in a beaker can also work reliably in bulk — with controlled viscosity, aeration, and pH stability. Each production batch is then induction sealed, batch coded, and retain-sampled for full quality control and traceability.
The Benefits for Brands and Customers
Our VOC-free glass cleaner doesn’t just tick regulatory boxes — it brings tangible advantages for brands and end-users:
- Easier Global Shipping: No flammable hazard classification means fewer restrictions and lower costs on overseas orders.
- Eco-Credentials: Biodegradable, plant-based components support sustainable brand messaging.
- User Safety: No harsh odours, no flammable liquids — just a safe, effective cleaner that works.
- Future-Proof: Ready for tightening VOC regulations and increasing consumer demand for sustainable products.
Conclusion
This project is a prime example of how Innovation Chem approaches R&D: combining market insight with technical expertise to deliver products that are effective, compliant, and commercially viable. By eliminating VOCs, we’ve created a glass cleaner that’s better for the environment, safer for shipping, and easier to scale globally — without compromising on performance.
Looking to develop your own sustainable, VOC-free product? Get in touch with our team today and see how Innovation Chem can bring your idea from lab bench to bottle.
