chlorinefree

Chlorinefree is a descriptor applied to products, processes, or materials that are produced without chlorine or chlorine-containing compounds. In environmental and industrial contexts, the term is most often used to describe bleaching or whitening operations that minimize or eliminate chlorine-based reagents. While the term is simple, its exact meaning varies by sector and standard.

In the pulp and paper industry, chlorine-free refers to bleaching sequences designed to avoid elemental chlorine. Totally chlorine-free (TCF) processes aim to remove all chlorine-containing substances, using alternatives such as oxygen, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, or enzymes. Elemental-chlorine-free (ECF) processes replace elemental chlorine with chlorine dioxide; some marketers describe ECF as chlorine-free while others reserve that label for TCF. Chlorine-free bleaching reduces the formation of halogenated organic compounds, including certain dioxins and furans, though other pollutants can still arise from bleaching byproducts or processing waters. The feasibility and cost of chlorine-free methods depend on pulp type, equipment, and environmental regulations.

Beyond pulp and paper, chlorine-free labeling appears in cleaning and personal care products, textiles, and plastics. Many household cleaners use hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, or non-chlorinated sanitizers; some papers or tissues marketed as chlorine-free carry independent environmental certifications. It is important to note that “chlorine-free” does not automatically imply overall safety or environmental superiority; life-cycle impacts vary, and other halogens or solvents may be involved.