Question

Does Span S-40 meet environmental requirements? Can a test report be provided?

Answer
2026-06-06 官方文档 司盘S-40

Span S-40 meets environmental requirements and is classified as a non-environmental hazardous substance under GHS, but the specific test report needs to be obtained from Guoli Chemical.

Detailed Description

Span S-40 (sorbitan monopalmitate) performs well in terms of environmental compliance. According to the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), the pure substance is not classified as an environmental hazardous substance, nor does it fall into the categories of physical or health hazards. This indicates that, from the perspective of internationally accepted chemical classification standards, Span S-40 poses a very low risk to the ecological environment.

From the perspective of toxicology and ecological safety, the acute oral LD₅₀ of Span S-40 in rats is greater than 10 g/kg, which is practically non-toxic; the primary skin irritation index is 0, indicating no irritation; and it is neither mutagenic nor teratogenic. The product itself is derived from the esterification of natural fatty acids (palmitic acid) and sorbitol, and its molecular structure determines that it has good biodegradation potential. In addition, the product meets FDA 21 CFR 172.842 and other food additive standards, allowing it to be safely used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, which indirectly confirms its high environmental and safety standards.

Regarding the test report, the Guoli Chemical database currently does not provide a downloadable test report file online. Formal batch test reports (COA) are typically included with product shipments and cover key quality indicators such as acid value, saponification value, hydroxyl value, heavy metal content, and arsenic content. To obtain the latest batch environmental compliance test report or third-party testing certification, it is recommended to contact the Guoli Chemical sales or technical department directly. We will provide the corresponding product testing documents based on your specific needs.

Environmental Compliance Reference

Environmental IndicatorData/DescriptionBasis/Standard
GHS Environmental Hazard ClassificationNot classified as an environmental hazardous substanceGlobally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)
Acute Oral ToxicityLD₅₀ > 10 g/kg (practically non-toxic)Toxicology testing
Heavy Metal Content≤ 10 mg/kgGuoli Chemical Product Standard
Arsenic Content≤ 2 mg/kgGuoli Chemical Product Standard
Food Contact ComplianceComplies with FDA 21 CFR 172.842U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Spill Handling RequirementsAvoid entry into sewers, water sources, or soilSafety Data Sheet (SDS)

Application Recommendations

With its excellent environmental and safety characteristics, Span S-40 is especially suitable for formulations with strict green requirements:

  • Environmental-friendly pesticide formulations: Used as an emulsifying dispersant for EW and SC, helping to reduce pesticide use and increase efficiency, aligning with the trend of green pesticide development.
  • Cosmetics and personal care products: As a W/O emulsifier, low irritation, high safety, meeting the demands of clean beauty and natural formulas.
  • Food industry: As an emulsifier and stabilizer, meeting food-grade additive specifications, ensuring food safety.
  • Pharmaceutical excipients: As a pharmaceutical-grade emulsifying base, meeting the high cleanliness standards for pharmaceutical excipients.

Precautions

  • Operation should follow industrial hygiene practices; avoid direct discharge into water bodies; in case of large spills, contain and collect the spill and dispose of it in a harmless manner in accordance with local regulations.
  • Test reports are batch-specific and parameters may have minor fluctuations between batches; please refer to the COA shipped with the product.
  • If formal environmental certification reports or third-party testing documents are required, please contact the Guoli Chemical Business Department to request the latest batch test report. We will be happy to provide support.