Last week, QPR assembled three teams of represenatitves across the country with the goal to educate customers and potential customers about our Biodegradable Solvent and distribute samples of the material.  The three teams were assembled in North and South Carolina, the Baltimore – D.C. area, and Southern California and set out to reach as many of you out there as possible in a week’s time.  Recently introduced to the ShopWorx line, our Biodegradable Solvent is not only incredibly effective, but also cost effective when up against comparable solvent cleaners, and we want to get the word out about it!  Since becoming available to our customers, the solvent has been getting great reviews from both government agencies and paving contractors alike.

For those who don’t know about the product, Biodegradable solvent is an eco friendly solution for cleaning off asphalt, tars, grease, and other unfriendly adhesives.  With most states now regulating the use of Diesel Fuel for cleaning purposes, this solvent is an alternative and solution to diesel use and is made from earth friendly renewable resources.  When asked what they typically use to clean asphalt off of lute rakes, most customers began their answer with, “Well, since we can’t use diesel anymore…”  In fact, pictured below is an actual sign from one of the many asphalt plants we visited this week which shows the reception that diesel fuel is getting most places nowadays.

Paving crews in Delaware had better heed the warnings posted at many asphalt plants within the state!

Knowing that many people must “see to believe,” our teams gave away hundreds of samples last week, each in a gallon jug, to various municipal and county road departments, asphalt producers, and paving companies.  We found many city and county organizations paying well over $1,000 per 55 gallon drum of a less effective solvent, and many asphalt plants that hadn’t yet found a suitable option for tough grease, tar, and asphalt stains.  With the days of diesel use coming to an end, many people in these areas were encouraged to learn about another option that is less expensive than other options they have tried in the past.  Our Biodegradable Solvent is available in 55 gallon drums, and also in 330 gallon totes for those who have a greater need.  For anyone wanting a free gallon sample of this product, call your local rep and he would be more than glad to get this great solvent into your hands.  This product surely does speak for itself.

Anyone who has worked with or near asphalt is very familiar with the buildup that asphalt and other tars cause on tools, equipment, and vehicles. I travel all over Florida and see it everywhere on jobsites across the state.  Each time I’m talking with a paving crew or municipal department on the job I always ask what they use for cleaning asphalt off everything.  I’m surprised at how often people are still saying they use diesel for this, although it seems like more and more of them are whispering it to me and ashamed to admit it.  There are more reasons why than you’d think.

Diesel fuel has been used for many years as a cost effective solution for removing asphalt residue from tools, equipment, and vehicles. However, in recent years the rising cost of diesel fuel and the EPA’s increasing regulations on VOCs has many in the asphalt industry asking, “Is diesel fuel the best solution?”

There are a large amount of non-beneficial characteristics of diesel fuel, including:

• Low flashpoint – Diesel fuel has a very low flashpoint. This is extremely dangerous in the asphalt industry where heat is used in nearly every application. Running your asphalt too hot or the simple spark from your shovel hitting the bed of your truck can cause ignition.
• Environmental Hazard – Diesel is a relatively light fuel, allowing it to float on water. This characteristic makes diesel very detrimental to animals living on land and the surface of water. Diesel coats the feathers of birds, obstructing their ability to fly and stay warm. The fuel will irritate the eyes and skin of aquatic animals, and diesel will kill animals and humans should it be accidently ingested.
• Inhaling VOCs – Will cause headaches, breathing problems, nausea, dizziness and burning of eyes.

We’re out to spread the word that QPR has an effective solution to take the place of your unfriendly diesel fuel.

Many state and local governments are actively searching for a solution to leave a smaller ecological footprint. Fortunately, those working in the asphalt industry now have an environmental friendly alternative for cleaning tools and equipment: QPR Biodegradable Solvent will effectively keep work tools, equipment and other surfaces clean and free of buildup from asphalt and other tars.

Our Biodegradable Solvent is sold in 55 gallon drums

Beneficial characteristics of QPR Biodegradable Solvent:

• Environmentally safe and completely biodegradable.
• High flashpoint (450F) Compared to Diesel (144F).
• Ready to use, no dilution needed and use of special equipment is not necessary.
• Slow evaporation rate, stays on tools and equipment longer. Increasing effectiveness and decreasing use.
• Made from Earth-friendly renewable resources.

Take control of your ecological footprint and health. Make QPR Biodegradable Solvent your solution for keeping work tools, equipment and other surfaces clean and free of buildup from asphalt and other tars.

Interested in seeing what QPR Biodegradable Solvent can do for you? Visit our website to find a local QPR Representative and ask for your FREE gallon sample of QPR Biodegradable Solvent today!