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Across Europe regulations governing the use of chemical process aids are becoming evermore complex. While Brussels’ tries to impose Europe-wide standards, many nations are introducing their own rules. The result is confusion within the market and increasing uncertainty over “approved” usage levels for many everyday chemical solutions.

So, PennWhite are trying to make things a little simpler for our clients. Our experienced laboratory team is reviewing the various standards, regulations and guidelines to determine the maximum permitted usage rates for our product and process additives (where applicable).

Technical Director Dr Mark Humphries explained, “As scientists we want to ensure that our formulations satisfy both the demands of our clients and regulatory bodies. The end result of this project will only be a line of text on our Technical Data Sheets, but we feel the effort is worth it to give our clients extra peace of mind.” Maximum permitted usage rates will start to appear on PennWhite’s data sheets over the next few months.

The recent horse-meat “scandal” has shone a light on the food supply chain, making consumers concerned about the provenance of their food and reluctant to accept food labelling at face value. Now more than ever, suppliers must be able to back up claims such as “100% beef” or “100% organic”.

PennWhite can help suppliers of organic fruits, vegetables and salads maintain the organic integrity of their produce when it is washed during processing. Washing produce creates excessive foam that reduces process efficiency, the washing water is usually treated with an anti-foam to prevent this. Unfortunately most foam control agents will break the “organic chain”, causing unsuspecting producers to sell an organic product that is not truly organic.

The solution is PennWhite’s Foamdoctor F2914 (formerly known as ST914), an organic anti-foam that reduces unwanted process foam without undermining the produce’s organic credentials. This specialist anti-foam was developed by PennWhite in line with the Soil Association Organic Standards for Food and Drink. Using Foamdoctor F2914 will help fresh organic products stand up to the scrutiny of even the most sceptical consumer.

PennWhite will shortly introduce new Classification, Labelling & Packaging (CLP) compliant labels for use on its IBCs and 200Kg drums. The label will feature CLP hazard symbols (when appropriate), as well as full emergency contact numbers and individual product details. A QR Code link to the PennWhite website will provide quick access to downloadable Technical Data Sheets and other useful product and safety information.

CLP is a legislative measure instigated by the EU to align its existing standards on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals with the Globally Harmonised System of Classification & Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) established by the United Nations. All chemical “mixtures” must be CLP compliant by June 2015, PennWhite’s new labels will ensure the organisation achieves full CLP compliance by Spring 2013.

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A PennWhite product is helping the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) saves lives around the UK coast.

Founded in 1824, the RNLI is a vital fourth emergency service whose fleet of over 330 lifeboats respond to maritime emergencies whatever the weather. The RNLI is supported solely by charitable donation and receives no public funding. It has saved around 140,000 lives since the turn of the century and launches boats 24 times a day on average.

Many of the RNLI’s lifeboats launch from slipways and a smooth entry in to the water is critical. To minimise the friction between hull and slipway, the RNLI use PennWhite Cable Lubricant on their steel slips. Originally developed to make the installation of broadband fibre optic cable in underground ducts easier, the microspheres in our formulation help the RNLI’s vessels get into the water quickly and safely so that they can reach victims as soon as possible.

PennWhite are proud to donate our products to this heroic organisation.