waterfree

Waterfree describes processes, products, and systems designed to operate without the use of water. The term is used across industries to denote alternatives to conventional aqueous methods, and is often paired with waterless or dry in marketing and technical literature.

In cleaning and manufacturing, waterfree methods include dry cleaning with non-aqueous solvents or supercritical CO2, waterless degreasing, and air-based finishing steps that avoid wet processing. In construction and textiles, processes such as water-free curing or coating applications minimize water use. In consumer products, some cosmetics, lubricants, and personal care items are sold in "waterfree" formulations, relying on oils, waxes, or solvents instead of water as a major component.

Benefits include lower freshwater withdrawal, reduced wastewater generation, and functionality in water-scarce settings. Drawbacks include potential solvent emissions, higher energy requirements for drying or regeneration, higher material costs, and the need for specialized handling and containment.

Adoption is influenced by regulatory frameworks governing VOCs and hazardous solvents, as well as life-cycle considerations such as transport, waste management, and end-of-life disposal. The term "waterfree" may be used variably and is not a standardized technical designation.

See also: dry cleaning; water efficiency; solvent-based cleaning; drying processes.