Choose Wisely: A solvent selection tool for sustainable art conservation.
Abstract
Solvents traditionally used in art conservation are petrochemical-based, potentially toxic to humans and damaging to the environment.
Many researchers are exploring green solvents as alternatives. For them to be used in art conservation, a selection guide is needed to inform conservators on which solvents are suitable.
green solvent is non-toxic, biodegradable and has reduced environmental impacts compared to conventional solvents . Many are produced from biomass reducing reliance on fossil fuel resources .
There is currently no universal solvent selection guide targeting the art conservation sector1.
References
Fife & Doutre, 2022. Greener Solvents in Art Conservation: A report from an Experts meeting. The Getty Conservation Institute: Los Angeles.
Capello et al., 2007. What is a green solvent? A comprehensive framework for the environmental assessment of solvents. Green Chem, 9, pp. 927-934.
Vertec BioSolvents, 2023. What is a Green Solvent & Are They Helpful? Available at: https://www.vertecbiosolvents.com/what-is-a-green-solvent-are-they-helpful
Prat et al., 2016. CHEM21 selection guide of classical- and less classical-solvents. Green Chem, 16, pp. 288-296.
Melchiorre, et al., 2023. Green solvents and restoration: Application of biomass-derived solvents in cleaning procedures. Journal of Cultural Heritage, 62, pp. 3-12.
Ching et al., 2024. Greener Solvents Project: Solvent Use in Conservation. Sustainability in Conservation, Delaware.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Daisy Rudkin
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
