As companies worldwide look for ways to improve sustainability in their workplace, one company has already been leading the charge with innovations on environmentally sustainable and toxic-free cleaning products for the industrial sector.

Over the years, CRC Industries has built a reputation as a responsible manufacturer of industrial cleaning and protection solutions, introducing solutions such as the CRC SmartWasher for sustainable parts cleaning and the CRC Bio-Degreaser food grade degreaser.

The latest of such solutions in the CRC product range is the CRC Brakleen® Water Based, which according to CRC’s National Channel Manager, Iain Faber, is an expansion on CRC’s heavy duty mechanical maintenance products.

“The new Brakleen Water Based is a unique product in that it is very strong on the grime but also easy on the planet. It has been specially formulated to penetrate and dissolve tough grease, oil brake fluid, transmission fluid, hardened deposits and other contaminants, while being safe on surfaces, users and the environment.”When asked to explain further, Iain says “biodegradable” is a term referring to the ability of things to get disintegrated by the action of micro-organisms such as bacteria or fungi.

“CRC Brakleen Water Based is biodegradable, which means all of its ingredients are readily decomposable in the environment, leaving zero pollution behind. This makes it ideal for use in many applications especially where there are regulations or restrictions in place concerning the types of products that
can be safely used or allowed onto
sites,’’ he says.

“The product is non flammable and non toxic.  It also has no volatile organic vapours, making it ideal for use in confined spaces. “

The Brakleen Water Based is the latest addition to the CRC Brakleen family, which was originally developed in 1971. Other products in the range include Brakleen, Brakleen Force, Brakleen NF and Non-Chlorinated Brakleen.

As a key distributor of CRC cleaning products in Australia, CBC is closely engaged with the consumer market for specialty cleaning products. As such, Steve Keown, CBC’s Product Manager for Lubricants, says CBC has been in a unique position to observe the trends in the companies’ inclination to use more sustainable products. 

“We have found that businesses are very open to reducing their environmental footprint. For example, when we introduce the CRC SmartWasher as an environmentally conscious and safe parts washing solution, we see very positive response from the market,” says Steve.

“Similarly, with the aerosol cleaners, obviously no business likes their employees breathing harmful vapour over extended periods of time. That’s where people really trust CRC’s products to minimise their health and safety risks,” he adds. 

He is, however, quick to note that product safety sheets should be taken seriously when using any aerosol cleaning products.

“You should always check the safety instructions with cleaning products. Even though the Brakleen Water Based is made of non-hazardous ingredients, it should still be treated with the usual care taken when using any aerosols,” he says.

Iain says CRC will continue to build on its portfolio of environmentally friendly products, with the company having recently also introduced the new Ozzy-Juice SW-X1 for the CRC SmartWasher.

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at CRC and it is reflected in our research and development priorities. The Brakleen Water Based is a groundbreaking innovation which has come out of that research into safer cleaning products for the industry. We will keep on the same path to help build safer workplaces,” Iain concludes. 

CRC Brakleen Water Based Features & Benefits:

• Non-flammable, non-toxic, non-corrosive, solvent free, biodegradable, and non-staining. 

• Has no volatile organic vapours making it ideal for use in confined spaces. 

• Can be safely rinsed into your oil water separator. 

• Safe on rubber and most plastics

• Long soak period, increased working time.

Directions to use CRC Brakleen:

1. Spray and leave on surface for 1-2 minutes. 

2. Surfaces may need to be wiped or agitated. 

3. Wipe or rinse off with water, into your oil water separator if available 

4. Repeat if necessary. If there is any concern regarding sensitivity of surface, test on an inconspicuous area first.