Chemical & Oil Absorbent Pillows
SpillBase's absorbent pillows are built to soak up leaks, drips and pooled liquids fast, from under machinery and pipework to tight spots your standard pads and socks can't cover. Lightweight, tear-resistant and ready to grab off the shelf, they're a staple in any well-stocked spill kit and an essential for workplaces handling oils, fuels, chemicals or general workshop liquids.
Whether you're managing a busy transport depot, an industrial workshop, or a site with strict environmental compliance obligations, having the right absorbent pillow on hand means spills get contained before they spread, soak into concrete, or reach stormwater drains.
Oil Absorbent Pillows
Our oil absorbent pillowsare purpose-built for hydrocarbon-based spills, including oils, fuels, and other petroleum products. Made from hydrophobic polypropylene, they repel water while aggressively soaking up oil, making them ideal for use both indoors and outdoors, including near waterways, drains, and loading docks. They're a practical fit for automotive workshops, marinas, transport and logistics yards, and any site where fuel or oil handling is part of the daily routine.
Their high absorbency-to-weight ratio means one pillow punches well above its size, absorbing significantly more liquid than an equivalent pad. They’re particularly useful for wrapping around leaking drums, valves or engine components.
Chemical Absorbent Pillows
For sites that work with acids, solvents, coolants, and other aggressive or unknown liquids, our chemical absorbent pillows offer a universal solution. Unlike oil-only pillows, these are designed to absorb a broad range of chemicals and water-based fluids, making them the safer default choice when you're not certain what's been spilled or when multiple liquid types are present on site.
Chemical-grade pillows are especially suited to laboratories, manufacturing plants, chemical storage areas, and industrial sites with mixed-fluid environments, where fast, universal absorbency is critical to keeping staff safe and ensuring operations comply with New Zealand environmental regulations.
Why Choose Absorbent Pillows?
- Fast, targeted absorption, ideal for leaks, drips and pooling under equipment
- Flexible shape that moulds around drums, machinery and awkward spaces that pads can't reach
- High capacity that absorbs multiple times its own weight in liquid
- Durable construction that resists tearing during clean-up and handling
- Versatile placement that can be used standalone, stacked, or as part of a broader spill response setup
Pillows work best as part of a layered spill response strategy. Pair them with our absorbent pads for surface spills and general clean-up, or our absorbent socks and booms to contain and direct larger spills before pillows soak up the remainder.
For a fully stocked, compliance-ready solution, explore our complete spill kits, or go industry-specific with our fuel spill kits and chemical spill kits, each pre-assembled to help your team respond quickly and stay compliant.
Need help choosing the right pillow for your site? Contact the SpillBase team or call 0800 711 611 for expert advice on spill response products and training.
FAQs
What"s the difference between an oil absorbent pillow and a chemical absorbent pillow?
Oil-absorbent pillows are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water and only absorb hydrocarbons like oil and fuel, making them useful outdoors or near water. Chemical absorbent pillows are universal, absorbing both water-based and chemical liquids, making them the safer choice when the spilled substance is unknown or mixed.
How much liquid can an absorbent pillow hold?
Capacity depends on the pillow"s size and material, but most SpillBase pillows absorb several times their own weight in liquid. Larger pillows are best for higher-volume leaks, while smaller pillows are best for drips and confined spaces.
Can absorbent pillows be used outdoors?
Yes. Oil absorbent pillows are particularly suited to outdoor use, including near drains and waterways, thanks to their hydrophobic properties. Chemical absorbent pillows can also be used outdoors, but should be selected based on the specific liquid being managed.
Are absorbent pillows reusable?
Absorbent pillows are designed for single use. Once a pillow has reached its absorbency limit or has been used to soak up a spill, it should be disposed of in accordance with local hazardous waste regulations rather than reused.