NEERI develops substitute in detergents

NAGPUR, Aug 14: The National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) has developed a technology to manufacture synthetic zeolites (used as catalyst and detergent builder) using flyash as raw material.

The process, now ready for commercialisation, is unique in the sense that it is quite cheaper than the conventional methods (due to the availability of flyash almost free of cost) and the product is a feasible substitute for environmentally harmful phosphatic detergent builders. However, the most important aspect is that the process involves high value utilisation of flyash (waste material from power plants), which is considered to be environmental hazard.

The process has been developed by NEERI’s Air Pollution Control Division, which has already applied for patent rights at USA, UK and Germany.