Spill Response Absorbents

Spill absorbents are materials engineered and designed to contain and capture liquids during spill events, preventing environmental contamination and slip hazards. They function by drawing liquids into their fibrous structure through capillary action.

Absorbents are commonly made of melt-blown polypropylene or a range of natural fires such as Coir Peat (SpillFix) or Zeoltie (Mineral Sponge).  These materials all provide far better absorbency that material such as sand, sawdust or cotton rags.

Once saturated, the liquid is retained within the absorbent’s internal structure, allowing safe collection and disposal.

pH7 offers a wide range of hazchem-grade absorbents to suit every spill scenario:

• Chemical absorbents – Yellow-coloured; compatible with acids, bases, and aggressive liquids.
• Oil and fuel absorbents – White-coloured; hydrophobic and oleophilic, absorbing hydrocarbons while repelling water.
• General-purpose absorbents – Grey-coloured; suitable for coolants, paints, and non-hazardous liquids.
• Loose absorbents like granular absorbents – particularly effective for large-volume spills or outdoor applications where pads and rolls may not conform to terrain.

Available formats include pads, rolls, socks, pillows, and loose absorbents, all tested to ASTM F726 for absorption capacity.

Choosing the right absorbent depends on the type of liquid, spill environment, and the scale of the spill. Each absorbent type is engineered for specific hazards, so it’s important to match the material and format to the liquid being managed.

• Chemical absorbents (yellow) – Designed for aggressive acids, caustics, and hazardous chemicals. Made from chemically inert polypropylene fibres that resist degradation.
• Oil and fuel absorbents (white) – Made from hydrophobic, oleophilic materials that absorb oils, fuels, and hydrocarbons while repelling water. Ideal for marine and outdoor applications.
• General-purpose absorbents (grey) – Suitable for water-based liquids, coolants, and non-aggressive substances used in maintenance or manufacturing areas.
• Loose absorbents – Perfect for uneven or outdoor surfaces, offering wide-area coverage for large spills. Available in mineral, organic, or polymer-based granules, depending on absorbency and chemical compatibility needs.

When selecting absorbents, always check the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for the chemicals stored and ensure the product is compatible. You should also consider the spill volume, surface type, and whether the spill could reach drains or soil.

Used absorbents must be handled as hazardous waste once they’ve come into contact with chemicals or hydrocarbons.

• Collect and seal used absorbents in chemical-resistant waste bags or drums immediately after use.
• Label containers clearly with the substance type and hazard class.
• Engage a certified hazardous-waste disposal service for transport and treatment.

For non-hazardous liquids (e.g., water-based coolants), check local authority requirements before disposal.

Each type of absorbent in our range is designed for a specific role in spill response – from initial containment to final clean-up. Using them correctly ensures efficient spill control.

Absorbent Pads

Use pads for surface-level spills and final cleanup. Place them directly on the spilled liquid to soak up remaining residue once the source is contained. Pads are ideal for use around workbenches, machinery, or under leaking containers. Replace saturated pads as needed until the area is dry.

Absorbent Socks

Use socks to encircle and contain spills. Position them around the spill perimeter or along doorways and drains to stop the spread of liquid. Their flexible tubular design allows them to form a tight seal against floors or uneven surfaces. Socks are also useful for proactive containment around equipment that may leak.

Absorbent Pillows

Place pillows under dripping valves, leaking drums, or machinery where liquids pool. Their high-volume capacity makes them ideal for absorbing large amounts of liquid from confined or vertical sources. Pillows are also used in sumps or trenches to capture concentrated leaks.

Absorbent Rolls

Use rolls to cover large spill areas or high-traffic zones. Simply unroll the material across the floor to create a barrier or to absorb surface contamination. Rolls can be cut to size for smaller tasks and are excellent for ongoing maintenance in workshops and warehouses.

Loose (Granular) Absorbents

Spread loose absorbent granules directly over the spill to cover the liquid completely. Allow time for absorption, then sweep the material into a pile and collect it for disposal. Loose absorbents are ideal for uneven surfaces, outdoor areas, or large spill volumes where pads and rolls may not fully contact the liquid. Always use brooms or scoops made from non-sparking materials when handling flammable spills.

After using any absorbent type, place used materials into hazard-labelled waste bags or drums and dispose of them according to local council regulations. 

Our SpillTech absorbents are colour-coded for clarity – yellow for chemical, white for oil and fuel, and grey for general-purpose – helping teams select the correct absorbent quickly in an emergency.