APEO stands for Alkylphenol Ethoxylates, which are a group of synthetic chemicals that are commonly used in the production of textiles and other products. APEOs are used as surfactants, emulsifiers, and detergents because of their ability to improve the solubility and spreadability of chemicals in water.

However, APEOs are considered to be harmful to the environment and human health. They are known to be endocrine disruptors and can accumulate in the environment, causing long-term damage to aquatic life. Therefore, many countries have implemented regulations to limit the use of APEOs in products.

An APEO (Alkylphenol Ethoxylates) failure refers to a situation where a shipment of clothing or textiles has been found to contain APEOs in excess of regulatory limits, or where the presence of APEOs was not disclosed in the product documentation. This can result in the shipment being held or rejected by the importing country, leading to significant costs and delays for the exporter.

If your shipment has failed for APEO in the country of import, there are a few steps you can take to try to save it:

Retest the shipment

If you believe that the test results are incorrect, you can request a retest of the shipment. This is often done through the relevant regulatory body in the importing country.

Negotiate with the importing country

If the test results are accurate, you can try to negotiate with the importing country to allow the shipment to enter by offering to remove the APEOs from the shipment or to take other measures to minimize the risk posed by the APEOs.

Re-export the shipment

If the importing country refuses to allow the shipment to enter, you may need to re-export it to another country.

Invest in APEO-free processes

Consider investing in processes and technologies to eliminate APEOs from your manufacturing process. This can help to minimize the risk of future APEO failures and ensure that your shipments are compliant with relevant regulations.

If your shipment has failed for APEO while under manufacturing you can take below steps to save it:

Removing APEOs from garments that has failed for APEO can be challenging, but there are a few methods that can be used to reduce the levels of APEOs:

Physical removal

This method involves washing the garments several times to remove as much of the APEOs as possible. The washing solution can be changed to a different chemical that is more effective at removing the APEOs.

Chemical removal

This method involves using a chemical treatment to break down the APEOs into smaller, less harmful compounds. The treatment can be applied to the garments either before or after washing.

Enzymatic degradation

This method involves using enzymes to break down the APEOs into smaller, less harmful compounds. Enzymes can be added to the washing solution to degrade the APEOs during the washing process.

Alternative surfactants

Consider switching to alternative surfactants that are not harmful to the environment, such as those made from renewable resources. This can help to prevent future APEO failures and improve your rating.

It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these methods can vary depending on the specific APEOs present in the garments and the conditions under which the removal process is performed. Consulting with a textile expert or chemical supplier can help you determine the best method for removing APEOs from your garments.