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How to Choose the Right Absorbent Granules | UK Spill Absorbent Guide
Choosing the Right Spill Absorbent Granules
Whether you're managing oils, chemicals, or hazardous liquids, understanding absorbent granule is essential.
What Are Absorbent Granules?
Spill response is about speed, safety, and the right choice of absorbent. While pads and socks are common, absorbent granules remain a versatile, cost-effective solution for dealing with liquid spills in workshops, warehouses, garages, and industrial sites.
But how do you choose between different absorbent granules? This guide will help you evaluate your options, avoid costly mistakes, and match the right absorbent to your environment.
Absorbent Granules Definition
Absorbent granules are loose, often mineral-based or synthetic materials designed to soak up spilled liquids. They’re especially useful for:
- Irregular or hard-to-reach spill areas
- Outdoor use in industrial yards or on uneven surfaces
- Heavy-duty absorption where mats or pads may not suffice
But not all granules are created equal.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Absorbent Granules
- Type of Liquid
Choose absorbent granules based on the liquid type:
- Oil-only absorbent granules: Repel water; ideal for hydrocarbons.
- Universal absorbent granules: For non-aggressive liquids like water, coolant, or paint.
- Chemical-resistant absorbent granules: For acids, alkalis, or unknown substances.
Tip: Always cross-reference your MSDS sheets with granule compatibility.
2. Environment
Are you working indoors or out? Some granules:
- Clump in wet weather
- Create dust (an issue in food-grade or cleanroom environments)
- Are biodegradable (important for environmentally sensitive sites)
3. Absorption Speed & Capacity
Faster isn't always better. For example:
- Lightweight granules absorb quickly but may blow away in wind
- Heavier granules are slower but provide higher retention
Balance speed with containment. Granules with a high liquid-holding capacity reduce disposal costs and cleanup time.
Why FyterTech Absorbent Granules?
FyterTech UK supplies a full range of high-performance absorbent granules tailored to market-specific needs. Our UK-manufactured range meets or exceeds environmental and safety regulations, and we support you in choosing the right product for your spill risk profile.
If you're unsure, our team offers free spill risk assessments and can match you to the right product based on your site and compliance needs.
Need Help Choosing the Right Absorbent Granules?
Contact FyterTech today for product recommendations and site audits!
View Our Absorbent Granule Range
SPILL ABSORBENT GRANULES
Absonet One Plus 20L bag
The Absonet One Plus 20 Litre Bag (Item No. ABNETO20) is a loose granular industrial absorbent made from 100% natural clay sourced from UK mines. White to light grey in colour, it is ideal for managing non-aggressive spills on various surfaces, including walkways, pavement
s, approach ramps, and machinery bases. Designed for versatile use, this absorbent offers effective spill control in industrial environments. It is available in both full and half pallet quantities to suit different operational needs.
Absonet Recycled 20L bag 
The Absonet Recycled 20 Litre Bag (Item No. ABNETR20), also known as Abso'Net Eco, is an industrial absorbent made from 100% recycled gypsum granules, featuring a white to light grey colour. With a particle size range of 3mm to 8mm, it offers high absorption capacity while being lightweight, easy to handle, and simple to transport. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, Abso'Net Eco is fireproof and environmentally friendly, making it a safe choice for use around humans and animals. It provides effective absorbent performance, leaving surfaces clean, dry, and safe. This eco-conscious product is available in both full and half pallet quantities.
Oil-Dri Standard Clay Granules 20L bag
The Oil-Dri Standard Clay Granules 20 Litre Bag (Item No. OilDriG) is a reliable industrial absorbent designed for effective oil and grease cleanup. It offers good resistance to traffic and features low dust with a medium bulk density, making it suitable for use in busy, high-traffic areas. With medium absorbency, it is best suited for handling oil and grease spills efficiently. To maintain its performance, it should be stored away from moisture.
Spill Aid 5L pouch
The Spill Aid 5 Litre Pouch (Item No. SPAD5) is a fast-acting absorbent powder designed to quickly absorb a wide range of spills, leaving floors clean and dry in no time. It is a non-selective absorbent, effective on almost all types of liquids except hydrofluoric acid. Suitable for use with oil, petrol, diesel, pesticides, solvents, most acids and alkalis, body fluids, paint, and glycols such as antifreeze, Spill-Aid offers broad versatility. Free from reactive chemicals, it is non-toxic and safe for humans, animals, and the environment. This product is available in both 5 litre pouches and 30 litre bags.
Absorbent Granules FAQs
Q: What different types of absorbent granules is there?
They can be made from clay, cellulose, recycled mineral products, or polymers. The material choice affects absorbency, weight, disposal, and eco profile.
Q: Can I use clay granules for chemical spills?
Clay works for oils and fuels, but specialist chemical spills may require SAP or chemical-specific absorbents.
Q: How do I dispose of used absorbent granules?
If they’ve absorbed hazardous liquids, they must be disposed of as hazardous waste under UK law.
Q: Are absorbent granules reusable?
No. Once granules have absorbed a spill, they must be swept up and disposed of - especially if they’ve absorbed hazardous substances.
Q: How should absorbent granules be stored?
Keep sealed in dry containers or bags, away from moisture and ignition sources. Store near high-risk areas so they can be deployed quickly.
Q: Do absorbent granules expire?
While they don’t “expire” in the traditional sense, they can degrade if exposed to moisture or contaminants during storage. Always check for clumping or reduced effectiveness.
