Why Chlorine’s Out: The Safer, Smarter Choice for NZ Workshops

Still using chlorinated brake cleaner? You might want to rethink that.

While chlorinated brake cleaners were once the go-to for their speed and power, the tide is turning, and for good reason. Some countries have already banned them, and New Zealand could follow in the future. So what”s the deal? And why does Euromarc only supply non-chlorinated? Let”s break it down.

Yes, chlorinated cleaners are fast, but they come with serious health and safety trade-offs:

• Contains Tetrachloroethylene (PERC) ” a suspected carcinogen.
• Reacts with heat ” turning into phosgene gas, a highly toxic chemical.
• Produces strong fumes ” that irritate eyes, nose, and lungs.
• Harms the environment ” when not disposed of correctly.
• Incompatible with welding ” as it produces an extremely poisonous gas called Phosgene, when it is heated to temperatures above 315 degrees celcius.

For maintenance engineers and fabricators working in tight spaces or around hot equipment, that”s a major concern.

Chemz were the first in New Zealand to develop a non-chlorinated brake cleaner; long before the rest of the market caught up. And here”s why Euromarc backs it 100%:

• Safer to Use: Less irritating fumes, safer around people and enclosed spaces.
• Kinder to Equipment: Gentler on rubber, plastics, and painted surfaces.
• Better for the Planet: Fewer toxic chemicals, easier to dispose of responsibly.
• Future-Proof: More likely to meet tightening regulations around chemical use.
• Multi-Purpose: Great for general degreasing tasks too — not just brakes.

It”s cleaner, safer, and more versatile, without compromising on effectiveness.

Sure, non-chlorinated brake cleaner can take a bit longer to work its magic. And since it”s flammable, you”ll want to be mindful around heat or sparks. But most engineers see this as a fair trade for a product that”s safer for their team and their gear.

Is it Time to Make the Switch?

With the industry moving away from harmful solvents and tightening up on safety standards, non-chlorinated is the future; and the smarter choice for any modern workshop.

At Euromarc, we don”t even offer the chlorinated option. Why? Because we believe there”s a better way; and Chemz non-chlorinated brake cleaner proves it.