NEO Solvents: 5 Criteria for a more Sustainable Chemistry

As environmental expectations grow and regulations tighten, the chemical industry sector is undergoing a transformation. SEQENS contributes to this evolution with the launch of NEO , a range of green solvents designed to combine industrial and sustainable performance.

With NEO, SEQENS offers a tangible solution for industries aiming to reduce their environmental footprint without compromising on performance. This range reflects a commitment to innovation, transparency, and sustainable development. NEO embodies a new direction for chemistry—safer, cleaner, and more responsible, powered by green solvents and sustainable thinking. This range is structured around five essential criteria, represented by 5 icons that support more responsible and forward-looking chemistry.

Reduced Carbon Footprint (Z): Acting for the Climate

NEO solvents in the reduced carbon footprint category lower greenhouse gas emissions through optimized manufacturing and renewable or circular feedstocks, cutting CO₂ emissions by 45% to 100% compared to fossil-based alternatives. A solvent is considered low-carbon when verified LCA or PCF data (scopes 1, 2, and 3) show lower emissions than conventional fossil-based solvents.

Biobased (B): Prioritizing Renewable Resources: Acting for the Climate

NEO solvents in the biobased category incorporate natural, bio-sourced, or mass-balanced ingredients, unlike traditional petrochemical solvents. Derived from plant-based raw materials—minimally processed, chemically transformed, or mass-balanced—these solvents reduce reliance on fossil resources and support a sustainable, green-chemistry–aligned production model.

 Circular Economy (C): Embedding Sustainability into the Lifecycle

NEO solvents in the circular category apply circular economy principles by reusing co-products, by-products, or recycled materials reintegrated into production cycles. In collaboration with partners, SEQENS develops low-waste, resilient supply chains that reduce virgin raw material use and support sustainable chemistry.

 Safer Substitute (S): Protecting Human Health and the Environment

NEO solvents in the safer substitute category offer sustainable, low-risk alternatives to hazardous chemicals. They reduce health and environmental hazards, lower labeling requirements, and eliminate CMR substances, while maintaining performance and supporting preventive safety in industrial chemistry.

  Biodegradable (D): Minimizing Environmental Impact

NEO solvents in the biodegradable category are designed to break down naturally, following reliable tests (e.g., OECD 301), limiting their impact on ecosystems. This makes them ideal for sensitive applications such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food processing, supporting sustainable chemistry.

A NEO solvent can meet one or multiple sustainability criteria. For instance, SEQENS NEO Isopropanol is inherently low-carbon (Z) and is also available in circular (C) or renewable versions (B). The circular variant is labeled  NEO-ZC Isopropanol, and the renewable variant is labeled NEO-ZB Isopropanol, both offering reduced environmental impact compared to conventional solvents.

Explore the full NEO solvents range:

Z = “Towards Zero carbon”, C = “Circular”, B = “Biosourced”