Actives used for both in-can and dry film preservation have various favorable and unfavorable attributes. Although unfavorable attributes can be reduced by co-formulating with other actives, there is still a need for innovation to arrive at the ideal solution within the bounds of current and future legislation. The novel in-can blend presented in the current paper is capable of offering superior performance against a wide range of microbial contaminants (including tolerant species) than current benchmark biocides, whilst meeting the strictest current legislative requirements.
This blend of manipulated approved actives is proving to be the next major innovative step in the development of a biocide suitable for global demand.
Dry film actives are also typically blended together for optimal performance and reducing unfavorable attributes. In addition to combining actives, innovative technology restricting the immediate availability of active in the wet product and dry film, provide a means of further enhancing performance or longevity, whilst further reducing unfavorable effects related to humans or the environment.
INTRODUCTION
All industrial preservatives are inherently toxic to some form of life. The task of the biocide formulator is to focus the harmful effects against target organisms and minimize harm against other species, including humans, higher animals and the environment. Over the past 25 years, ever-increasing legislation has focussed on protecting humans and the environment, pressurizing formulators into creating antimicrobial products with maximum benefit and minimum risk.
As the title of this paper suggests, biocides have to be sustainable well into the future, causing minimal harmful effects but still controlling spoilage organisms which are responsible for millions of dollars of damage to industrial products. Preservatives should be suitable for application
globally, adding value without being cost-prohibitive in the end product.
All aqueous based compounds are susceptible to microbiological deterioration in the wet form due to the water content and presence of essential organic compounds and trace elements necessary for the metabolism of micro-organisms, in the form of bacteria, moulds, and yeasts.
Paint has all of the elements to sustain microbial proliferation in the packaging: water, nutrients from binders, extenders and rheological agents, and trace elements from all raw materials. Moist surfaces will support the proliferation of fungi provided nutrients are present. In addition, in the
presence of sunlight, algae will establish and grow. Once applied, the dry paint film provides the ideal environment for fungi and algae, provided moisture and nutrients are present.
Prevention of biological spoilage is most cost-effectively and efficiently achieved by chemical means. Antimicrobial actives are added to compounds during their manufacture and in-can and/or dry film preservation is achieved.