In the agrochemical industry, the choice of solvents plays a crucial role not only in product performance but also in safety, environmental impact, and regulatory compliance. Low-naphthalene aromatic solvents are increasingly favored by manufacturers for their better environmental profile, reduced toxicity and ability to meet strict regulations. In this article, we will explore the key benefits of these solvents and why they are becoming essential in modern agrochemical formulations.
Why are low-naphthalene aromatic solvents gaining importance in the agrochemical industry?
Manufacturers of agrochemical products typically prefer aromatic solvents with low naphthalene content primarily for reasons related to safety, regulatory compliance and environmental impact, rather than purely on performance grounds.
The following benefits are a result of a review of low-naphthalene aromatic solvents versus naphthalene-containing aromatic solvents only:
Topic 1:
Improved safety and environmental profile of low-naphthalene aromatic solvents
- Greater environmental credentials:
Many countries regulate the levels of naphthalene in products due to its potential environmental impact. Naphthalene can persist in soil and water, leading to pollution concerns. Lower naphthalene content can help agrochemical products meet stricter environmental standards and reduce ecological harm. - Reduced ecotoxicological impact:
Low-naphthalene aromatic solvents are less toxic and less likely to bioaccumulate in the environment, thus reducing their ecotoxicological impact on ecosystems and lowering the risk of long-term contamination. - Reduced bioaccumulation and persistence:
Naphthalene is persistent in the environment and can bioaccumulate in living organisms, posing long-term risks to wildlife and the food chain. Over time, these persistent chemicals can lead to detrimental effects on biodiversity. - Reduced toxicity:
Naphthalene is known to be more toxic to humans and animals compared to other components of aromatic solvents. Lower naphthalene levels in aromatic solvents help reduce health risks, including skin irritation, respiratory issues, and potential long-term carcinogenic effects.
Topic 2:
Regulatory compliance
- Meeting safety regulations:
Many regulatory bodies, such as the EPA (United States) and REACH (European Union), have stringent limits on the use of naphthalene in products due to its health and environmental risks. Lowering naphthalene levels ensures that manufacturers can meet these regulatory requirements and avoid penalties. - Future proofing:
By adopting low and ultra-low-naphthalene aromatic solvents, agrochemical manufacturers ensure compliance not just with current regulatory standards like EPA and REACH but also with the growing global regulatory trends. This strategic move helps them prepare for stricter environmental and safety regulations that are likely to emerge across global markets. It enhances product sustainability, safety, and long-term viability, positioning companies to meet evolving industry standards and consumer expectations.
Topic 3:
Improved worker and consumer perception
- Better marketability:
Agrochemical products with lower levels of harmful substances like naphthalene are seen as safer and more sustainable, which can improve market perception and consumer trust. In turn, this can lead to better adoption rates among farmers and agricultural users. Using a low-naphthalene aromatic solvent gives agrochemical manufacturers a greater degree of freedom in formulating their products. - Greater health and safety:
A key advantage for agrochemical manufacturers in using low-naphthalene aromatic solvents is the significant improvement in occupational health and safety for both workers and end-users. While low-naphthalene aromatic solvents reduce exposure to recognised harmful compounds like naphthalene, lowering long-term health risks like respiratory issues, skin irritation, and potential carcinogenic effects, the primary benefit lies in reducing chronic exposure risks. This helps ensure a safer working environment over time, especially in high-exposure settings. - Improved odour:
Naphthalene has a strong, distinctive odour, which can be unpleasant for workers handling the chemicals or farmers applying the products. Reducing naphthalene content minimises the odour, making the product more user-friendly.
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Sustainability and future trends in agrochemistry The trend toward more sustainable and responsible production processes continues to shape the agrochemical industry. Many chemical manufacturers are focusing on improving the environmental performance of their raw materials and formulations. |
Does low-naphthalene content in aromatic solvents provide the same high product performance?
The performance characteristics between low-naphthalene aromatic solvents and their naphthalene-containing counterparts show little differences. This is a good thing, as it allows manufacturers to adjust the naphthalene content in their crop protection and agrochemicals without compromising on effectiveness.
Low-naphthalene and naphthalene-containing aromatic solvents are both used as components in agrochemical formulations and contribute to:
- Stability: Aromatic solvents offer very good stability in emulsifiable concentrates (ECs), oil dispersions (OD), suspension concentrates (SCs), and microemulsions (MEs). This reduces issues like sedimentation, phase separation, or clumping in agrochemical formulations, leading to a more stable and consistent product over time and extended shelf life.
- Solubility: Aromatic solvents have been found to have excellent solubility properties, even in the most sensitive agrochemical formulations.
In addition, modern formulation technologies in agrochemistry are opening new possibilities for the use of aromatic solvents in general. Through more precise mixing and emulsification techniques, manufacturers can now opt for formulations with lower solvent content or selectively adjusted compositions — without sacrificing performance.
Low-naphthalene aromatic solvents, while offering similar performance to their naphthalene-containing counterparts, provide the additional advantage of lower toxicity and environmental impact.
They therefore support the development of product- and application-specific formulations that meet both efficiency and sustainability requirements — a clear benefit in a market increasingly focused on transparent, safe and responsible chemical solutions.
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Conclusion: Low-naphthalene aromatic solvents as a future-proof choice
Low-naphthalene aromatic solvents offer agrochemical manufacturers a clear advantage by enhancing safety, reducing environmental risks, and meeting stringent regulatory requirements without compromising product performance. Their lower toxicity, reduced bioaccumulation, and compliance with global standards make them a future-proof alternative to naphthalene-containing aromatic solvents in an evolving market focused on sustainability.
By choosing low-naphthalene options, manufacturers can help reduce environmental and health impacts compared with traditional solvent types, while also improving marketability and consumer trust in their products.
Learn more:
- A sustainable agriculture: The advantages of Caromax® aromatic solvents
- What should you look for when buying aromatic solvents in the agricultural industry?
- Aromatic Solvents – Haltermann Carless provides 70 years of expertise
FAQ: Low-naphthalene aromatic solvents
Aromatic solvents are considered low in naphthalene when the content is below 1% — often significantly lower. These products meet strict international requirements, such as those under REACH (EU) or the US EPA, helping to reduce potentially harmful substances in agrochemical applications. 2. Why is naphthalene considered problematic? Naphthalene is a suspected carcinogen that can persist in the environment and bioaccumulate, increasing long-term exposure risks.
Due to its potential impact on health and ecosystems, many countries — including under EU REACH and the US EPA — have imposed strict limits or bans on its use in high-exposure applications. 3. Does lower naphthalene content affect product performance? Modern aromatic solvents offer comparable chemical stability and solubility as conventional variants, even with reduced naphthalene levels. Manufacturers can adjust their formulations without compromising performance or quality. 4. Where are low-naphthalene aromatic solvents typically used? They are primarily used in a wide range of agrochemical formulations, such as crop protection products, herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides. In addition, they can be found in selected coating and specialty chemical applications, where their improved environmental performance compared with naphthalene-containing aromatic solvents makes them a suitable alternative.
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This article was first published on 04.10.2024 and revised on 21.11.2025.
