Tools

They just don’t make industrial-strength chemicals like they used to — at least Razor Chemical Company doesn’t. After Suni McClelland brought an idea to chemists at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a cleaner harmless to its users and the environment was born along with her North Little Rock-based business.

“I always thought a ‘green’ product was one that didn’t hurt your skin and when you sprayed it there was virtually no odor and minimal overspray — a product that could be sold at the most economical price and had no toxic runoff,” McClelland said. “But it still has to be powerful and perform.”

The product of that first laboratory meeting, Razorback Red cleaner, was soon followed by Razor Blue, Razor’s Orange-A-Peel, Razor Green and Razor Sparkle Plus — each having its own purpose and incredible potency. The line of water-based products was immediately well-received by manufacturers who recognized the potential, not only to clean their grimiest messes, but also to decrease their carbon footprint and create a safer work environment for employees. “When you can go into a plant and say, ‘We can clean your entire plant with just one product,’ you’re going to get a response,” she said.

Classified as zeroes or ones under the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s (OSHA) rating system, McClelland’s cleaners are among the safest on the commercial market. Although you won’t find them on grocery store shelves yet, many institutions serving Arkansas — restaurants, jails, schools and human development centers — are cleaning with these planet- and people-friendly chemicals.

Razor Chemical targets businesses and organizations regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and other govern­men­tal entities. “Not only do we save them money, but also worry,” she said. “We alleviate the threat of liability lawsuits and fines because our product line is gentle on the hands that use them and doesn’t emit a hazardous odor or excess overspray for workers to breathe in.” Razor Chemical’s other eco-savvy solutions include spray bottles with Material Safety Data Sheet labeling, which helps manufacturers with OSHA requirements, gel cleaners and free wall-mount dispensers that minimize chemical waste and save money.

“Being a good steward of the planet means minimizing your amount of waste,” McClelland said. “So, if you can use just two or three cleaning products in business instead of five or six, you’re going to have less waste, less pollution, less toxicity, and you’re going to save a lot of money.”