THE EVOLUTION OF SPECIALISED SORBENTS

Spill control manufacturer HalenHardy charts the changes and developments that ultimately led to its new recycled sorbent ANCIENT Greek and Roman texts and artwork document the use of terracotta, metal and wooden containers to transport and store liquids – and with the storage of liquids came the potential for anything holding those liquids to leak and spill. The same ancient texts and artwork also contain the first documented uses of sponges and wiping materials. Of course, ancient civilisations didn’t have paper towels or other commoditised sorbents. Textiles and papyrus were expensive because they were made by hand, so these items generally wouldn’t be used for spill clean-up. Sand and soil, however, were plentiful and would be the most likely options for controlling larger spills. It wasn’t until the 1940s that there was any sort of documentation of companies specifically purchasing sorbent materials to soak up machine leaks and spills. And even then, purchases were somewhat limited because until the early 1970s, it was acceptable to simply dump spent liquids on the ground or hose them into the nearest floor drain. Nearly every aspect of life has improved through...