chlorfrei

Chlorfrei, literally “chlorine-free” in German, is a term used to describe products or processes that do not involve chlorine or chlorine compounds during manufacturing or use. The exact meaning depends on the domain and regional labeling practices, and there is no single universal standard for its claim.

In the pulp and paper industry, chlorine-free bleaching refers to processes that avoid elemental chlorine. This is commonly discussed alongside related terms such as totally chlorine-free (TCF), elemental-chlorine-free (ECF), and processed chlorine-free (PCF). TCF denotes bleaching with non-chlorine agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide, oxygen, ozone) to minimize chlorine-related byproducts; ECF uses chlorine compounds like chlorine dioxide instead of elemental chlorine; PCF applies chlorine-free methods to recycled fiber.

In consumer products, chlorine-free labeling is often used for cleaners, textiles, and cosmetics to indicate the absence of chlorine-based disinfectants or bleaches, such as sodium hypochlorite. Alternatives include hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, citric acid, or enzymatic methods. The emphasis is typically environmental or health-related to reduce residual chlorine compounds and disinfection byproducts.

Regulatory and market context: Because "chlorfrei" is not uniformly standardized, claims can vary by country and brand. Some markets require substantiation or rely on third-party seals to verify chlorine-free status. Critics note that some processes marketed as chlorine-free may still involve chlorine-containing intermediates, or may trade one environmental concern for another, underscoring the need for clear definitions and lifecycle assessment.

Overall, chlorfrei signals a preference for avoiding chlorine-related chemistry, reflecting broader shifts toward green chemistry and reduced disinfection byproducts, while recognizing that exact methods and definitions differ across industries.