Are you planning to start a manufacturing business? If you do, chances are you need to invest in specialty chemicals.
Specialty chemicals, or performance chemicals, are substances used to create products and improve manufacturing operations. They play an essential role in various industries, including textiles, plastics, petroleum, consumer goods, and so on.
Specialty chemicals may vary depending on their technical attributes. Therefore, it’s important to understand their chemical structure and properties as well as their ability to add value to their means of application.
Aside from that, you also have to understand the safety measures involved when buying specialty chemicals. These substances can be hazardous not only to your health but also to the environment, so proper knowledge handling is highly recommended.
If you plan to purchase specialty chemicals for your manufacturing business, you’re on the right page. This post will guide you to buying specialty chemicals, so read on to learn more.
Choosing The Right Specialty Chemical Supplier
If you go to Google and search for ‘specialty chemical suppliers’, you’ll likely be surprised with hundreds of options available for you. But how would you distinguish those that’d meet your needs from others that would not?
Here are some tips that would help you find a reliable chemical company to meet your manufacturing needs:
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Define Your Needs
Before you start choosing a specialty chemical supplier, it’s important to define and understand your areas of need. For example, you might need a chemical for cleaning non-toxic spills and degreasing operations.
Knowing your areas of need can help you pick a supplier specializing in the solution you require and prevent you from buying the wrong items.
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Look For Suppliers That Offer Custom Solutions
Custom solutions are chemicals specifically formulated to meet your operational needs. In other words, these are chemicals you can’t purchase anywhere. Even if you don’t need a custom chemical, it’s a good idea to look for suppliers that offer such services in case you need one in the future.
If your operations need an ultra-specific, custom-formulated chemical, you shouldn’t settle for the second-best option in the market. Instead, you should use a solution that perfectly suits your proposed application.
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Consider Eco-Friendly Formulation
These days, most hazardous chemicals have already been phased out and replaced with greener alternatives—thanks to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proactive effort.
That said, ordering specialty chemicals from an eco-friendly supplier that uses green formulations is a no-brainer. Otherwise, you might end up getting penalized for not adhering to the regulations set by the EPA.
Identifying Chemical Grades
Most specialty chemicals are graded, which indicates how pure they are. The greater the impurities, the lower the grade. Examples of impurities that may be present in a chemical solution include water, metals, and other chemicals.
Here are the three grading standards often used in the chemical manufacturing industry:
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Reagent Grade:
Reagents are the purest form of a particular chemical. They meet or exceed the requirements set by the American Chemical Society (ACS). In addition, reagents are applicable to all manufacturing and scientific needs.
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Laboratory Grade:
Lab-grade chemicals also have a high level of purity but may contain minor or trace amounts of impurities. These chemicals may not be suitable for any type of medicine or food.
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Technical Grade:
Technical-grade chemicals contain a lot of impurities, making them unsuitable for any type of food and medicine. They’re used for various industrial or commercial purposes.
You’ll be able to see these grades on the packaging label.
Checking Chemical Labeling
Chemical manufacturers often provide all the information necessary on the product packaging. It’s important to check the label as carefully as possible to avoid unpleasant circumstances (e.g., accidents).
Here are the following details to look for on a chemical product label:
- Chemical name and formula
- Chemical grade
- Chemical concentration and purity level
- A safety guide that includes instructions and precautionary measures users must follow to avoid accidents
- Hazard alerts and warnings
- First-aid procedures (in case one is harmed while using the chemical)
- Compatible chemical list
- Shelf-life
- Date manufactured and date purchased
- Solubility
- Disposal methods
Correct product labels can help you store your chemicals properly and reduce the chances of creating accidents.
Buying Chemical Online
It’s difficult to purchase specialty chemicals online because of scammers out there. To avoid being a victim of online scams, make sure to check the following:
- Check the supplier’s business license
- Verify the supplier’s registration number
- Get a sample before buying bulk or wholesale products
- Check Google reviews
- Audit the manufacturing facility, if possible
- Check the background of the supplier
These steps will help you verify the authenticity of the supplier you met online.
Final Thoughts
Specialty chemicals are substances that can help improve manufacturing processes. They might be hazardous to everyone, including the environment, so proper knowledge is advised when purchasing. You can use this guide when buying specialty chemicals to ensure you purchase the right solution from the right supplier.
