This table summarises the environmental and hazard sections of the safety data sheets (SDS) for our bio-based product families. It is a starting point for supplier questionnaires and ESG reports; the SDS for the exact grade you buy is the document to rely on.
Key points
- Lignosulfonates, lignohumates and lignin powder are not classified as hazardous under normal industrial handling, based on available data.
- No product-specific aquatic toxicity or standard biodegradation tests have been done; the statements are expectations for the substance class.
- Two exceptions: chrome lignosulfonate contains chromium, and manganese lignosulfonate has no determined classification.
| Product family | GHS classification (SDS §2) | Ecotoxicity (SDS §12) | Persistence and degradability (SDS §12) | Disposal (SDS §13) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sodium, calcium, magnesium and ammonium lignosulfonate (powder and liquid) | Not classified as hazardous under normal industrial handling, based on available data | No product-specific aquatic toxicity data; lignosulfonates are generally regarded as having low aquatic toxicity | Derived from natural lignin; expected to be inherently biodegradable. Not expected to bioaccumulate | Follow local, regional and national rules; do not discharge large quantities into drains or waterways |
| Potassium lignosulfonate | Not classified as hazardous under normal industrial handling, based on available data | No product-specific aquatic toxicity data | Derived from natural lignin; expected to be inherently biodegradable | As above |
| Lignohumates (sodium, ammonium, calcium; powder and granules) | Not classified as hazardous under normal industrial handling, based on available data | No product-specific aquatic toxicity data; humic/lignin substances are generally regarded as having low aquatic toxicity | Derived from natural lignin/humic sources; expected to be inherently biodegradable | Follow local rules, or apply at recommended agronomic label rates |
| Micronutrient lignosulfonates and lignohumates (Zn, Fe, Cu, B, Mn) | Not classified as hazardous for most grades. Manganese lignosulfonate: classification not determined | No product-specific data; avoid release of concentrated material to waterways. For Mn grades, aquatic hazard depends on the manganese source | Lignin carrier expected to be biodegradable; the metal is a trace element that does not degrade | Follow local rules, or apply at recommended agronomic label rates |
| Lignin (water-insoluble powder) | Not classified as hazardous under normal handling, based on available data | No product-specific aquatic toxicity data | Derived from natural lignin; expected to be inherently biodegradable | Follow local rules |
| Chrome lignosulfonate (and ferrochrome grade) | Contains a chromium complex (total Cr about 3.6–4.2%; ferrochrome grade Cr ≤4%, Fe ≤4%) | No product-specific aquatic toxicity data | The lignosulfonate part is expected to be inherently biodegradable; chromium does not degrade | Dispose of as chromium-containing waste under local rules; never discharge to drains or waterways |
How to read this table
- “No product-specific data” means the product itself has not been tested for aquatic toxicity. The statement about low toxicity refers to lignosulfonates or humic substances in general.
- “Expected to be inherently biodegradable” is an expectation based on the lignin origin, not the result of a standard biodegradation test on our product.
- “Not classified as hazardous” refers to GHS classification under normal industrial handling. Fine powder can still cause temporary eye, skin or throat irritation, so the SDS recommends gloves, safety glasses and a dust mask for prolonged handling.
Transport
The SDS for our lignosulfonates states that they are not regulated as dangerous goods for transport, based on available information. Chrome and manganese grades should be checked on their own SDS.
Where to find each answer for a supplier questionnaire
Supplier questionnaires usually ask the same environmental questions. This is where each answer is in our documents:
| Questionnaire question | Document | Section |
|---|---|---|
| Is the product classified as hazardous? | SDS Section 2 | Hazard identification |
| What are the effects on aquatic life? | SDS Section 12 | Ecological information |
| Is the product biodegradable? | SDS Section 12 | Persistence and degradability |
| How should waste be disposed of? | SDS Section 13 | Disposal considerations |
| Is it dangerous goods for transport? | SDS Section 14 | Transport information |
| Where does the raw material come from? | Origin statement | Raw material and process |
Product pages
- Sodium lignosulfonate
- Calcium lignosulfonate
- Magnesium lignosulfonate
- Ammonium lignosulfonate
- Potassium lignosulfonate
- Sodium lignohumate
- Zinc lignosulfonate
- Lignin
- Chrome lignosulfonate
To receive the SDS for a specific grade, see ESG documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lignosulfonate classified as hazardous?
Our SDS state that sodium, calcium, magnesium, ammonium and potassium lignosulfonates are not classified as hazardous under normal industrial handling, based on available data. Fine powder may still irritate eyes, skin or throat.
Is lignosulfonate biodegradable?
The SDS describe lignosulfonates as derived from natural lignin and expected to be inherently biodegradable. This is an expectation; our products have not been tested to a standard biodegradation method.
Is lignosulfonate toxic to aquatic life?
No product-specific aquatic toxicity data is available. Lignosulfonates are generally regarded as having low aquatic toxicity, and the SDS advises against discharging large quantities into drains or waterways.
Which grades need extra care?
Chrome lignosulfonate contains a chromium complex and must be disposed of as chromium-containing waste. The hazard classification of manganese lignosulfonate has not been determined.