Sustainability Science
Supporting customers’ ability to easily identify and select products with specific sustainability attributes.

Sustainability Science in our markets
Helping our customers achieve their sustainability goals
From emissions reduction, to circular economy, to valuing water and nature – these six pillar brands represent the sustainability attributes of our product portfolio, making it easier for you to discover, compare, and create more sustainable solutions for the world we share. Our sustainability claims are made from a lifecycle perspective using recognized international standards and certification systems. So you can trust the materials you buy from Dow will deliver the sustainability benefits they promise.
Returna™
Biodegradability
These biodegradable materials break down into naturally occurring substances to reduce the impact of human activity on ecosystems. Our approach combines innovative advantages with technological best practices, enabling our customers to utilize biodegradable materials while maintaining performance.
Product solutions
Butoxypolyglycol (BPG)
An E-Series glycol ether used in brake fluids, mining fluids, asphalt additive, dust suppressant, heat captive fluids, coatings, and concrete anti-shrinking agent reduces surface tension and minimizes shrinkage/cracking as water evaporates from concrete.
Butoxytriglycol (BTG)
A low-volatility, high solvency glycol ether with excellent coupling properties. Used in drilling fluids, brake fluids, coatings and cleaners.
Butyl CARBITOL™ Solvent
A slow-evaporating, hydrophilic glycol ether with excellent coalescing and coupling power that offers strong solvency and chemical stability for a broad array of household products.
Butyl CELLOSOLVE™ Solvent
A fast-evaporating glycol ether with an excellent balance of hydrophilic and hydrophobic character; excellent active solvency and coupling properties. It is a versatile solvent product with balance properties.
CARBITOL™ Solvent, Low Gravity
Solvent used to facilitate penetration into fibers and to promote the production of intense, bright shades; it features a high boiling point and low vapor pressure.
Ethoxypolyglycol (EPG)
A high boiling glycol ether.
Ethoxytriglycol (ETG)
A low-volatility, high solvency glycol ether with excellent coupling properties. The product's versatility is demonstrated by the variety of applications in which it may find use.
Isopentanoic Acid, Mixed Isomers
A pungent, colorless to water-white liquid.
Isopropyl Acetate, 99%
A colorless liquid with an aromatic, fruity odor. It is moderately soluble in water.
Isopropyl Acetate, High Purity
A colorless liquid with an aromatic, fruity odor. It is moderately soluble in water. This grade has a higher puirty specification.
Propionic Acid, Formulating Grade
A colorless pungent smelling liquid, miscible with water and almost all normal organic solvents. Applications are dye intermediates, textile and rubber auxiliaries, plastics, and plasticizers.
Propyl Acetate
A colorless, volatile solvent with an odor similar to acetone, possessing good solvency power for many natural and synthetic resins.
Brand solutions
CARBOWAX™ Polyethylene Glycols
CARBOWAX™ SENTRY™ Polyethylene Glycols
Diisopropanolamine (DIPA)
DOWANOL™ Glycol Ethers
DOWFAX™ Nonionic and Anionic Surfactants
ECOSURF™ Surfactants
Polyglycol
TERGITOL™ Surfactants
Triethylene Glycol
TRITON™ Surfactants
UCAR™ Glycols, Solvents and Latex Emulsions
Explore our Returna™ case study library
Success with UCON™ Trident™ 32 AW Hydraulic Fluid
The barge dock hydraulic crane in Texas City switched from ISO 32 mineral oil to UCON Trident 32 AW Hydraulic Fluid in 1995 to address environmental concerns. Since then, it has operated without issues, eliminating oil sheens and showing excellent performance, leading to further conversions.
UCON Lubricant Cleans Gas Storage Formation Improving Flow
A Gulf Coast gas storage facility switched from mineral oil-based lubricants to UCON Compressor Lubricant R-1, reducing downhole fouling and sludge formation. This change eliminated the need for chemical treatments, saving $150,000 annually and improved compressor reliability and flow rates by 10-15%.
Related applications
Hair Care
Offering innovative biodegradable ingredients for hair care formulations, along with application expertise to help you develop high-performing products for eco-conscious consumers.
Skin Care
Helping brand owners develop innovative skin care solutions, including bio-based and biodegradable ingredients that are safe for people and the planet.
Sun Care
Delivering the award-winning SunSpheres™ BIO SPF Booster, a bio-derived and readily biodegradable sun care solution that is safe for consumers and the oceans.
Home Care Sustainability
Collaborating across the value chain to develop high-value formulations for home care products, including biodegradable solutions that offer sustainability and performance.
Additional resources for biodegradable solutions
ECollaboration Concepts: formulations that inspire a holistic and circular approach to beauty ingredients and packaging.
SunSpheres™ BIO SPF Booster: A bio-derived and readily biodegradable solution for SPF boosters that enables greater SPF efficiency in sun care.
Innovative Surfactants: A portfolio of innovative nonionic, anionic and low-foam surfactants that reduce our environmental impact.
MaizeCare™ Kit: Discover formulations for MaizeCare™, a bio-based polymer derived from corn that allows flexibility in hair care styling.
We are committed to connecting you with experts and resources to tackle any challenge.