On occasion the question is asked: why are absorbents manufactured in different colors? A simple color-code system for using absorbents can help communicate important information related to the useful life of an absorbent sock, pillow, or absorbent pad and can also help identify the types of fluids that the absorbents are picking up.

Typically, absorbents that are white are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water while absorbing oil-based liquids. White absorbent pads and booms are very commonly used for spills or contamination on water, or for drips and leaks that are outdoors and subject to weather conditions. Against a white backdrop, a user is able to more easily see the amount of oil that a particular mat or pad has absorbed and know when the product has been saturated.

Absorbents that are gray are generally hydrophilic, which means they will pick up water as well as a range of other fluids such as oil, coolants, and solvents. Typically gray absorbents are used for maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) applications inside facilities, or for leaks, drips and spills around machinery, loading areas, etc. Some gray absorbents will have an extra layer of fabric attached to the polypropylene material. This extra layer can handle foot traffic more effectively which allows industrial users to place these absorbent mats on the floor in areas where people may be walking on them. Some users prefer the gray color because users can't see the dirt or grime as easily and so they will leave them in place longer rather than dispose of them before the absorbent pads or mats have reached their optimal saturation level.

In industrial settings, yellow is a color that often times communicates a hazard. Using yellow absorbents usually makes sense in applications where the spilled liquid poses a hazard to humans, or for applications where the nature of the spilled liquid is unknown. Generally speaking, absorbents that are yellow are hydrophilic and have the same properties as a gray absorbent pad. So, like gray absorbents, yellow absorbents will often absorb oils, coolants, solvents, water and aggressive liquids.

Remember, regardless of the color of used, absorbents need to be disposed of properly and in compliance with appropriate regulations.