Catherine Diamond, Associate Editor12.18.15
Biocides – which play an integral role in the paint and coatings, water treatment, wood preservation, and food and beverage industries – has sustained healthy growth over the last few years, and is expected to continue to do so through at least 2020.
According to a report by research firm Markets and Markets, the aforementioned industrial markets are expected to significantly boost the demand for biocides. The newer breed of biocides, the report states, have lesser environmental impact and better performance features – key drivers of the biocide market. Growth in water treatment is driving the global biocide market, given that the water treatment industry is dependent upon total global water consumption. Markets and Markets found that the water treatment segment held approximately 25.6 percent the global market share in 2014 in terms of volume.
“The increasing demand for treated municipal and industrial water from end-use industries is driving the market for biocides. The increased emphasis on clean water by the governments of both the developed and developing nations paves the way for the growth of biocides,” the report states.
Following water treatment, food and beverage applications are another major segment for biocides. Food safety regulations, which are frequently updated in both North America and Europe, are market drivers.
In developed countries, the paints and coatings industries are a significant market. In fact, market research and consulting firm Grand View Research found that North America accounts for 40% of the global revenue share for the biocides market. That number is largely propelled by an increased demand for paints and coatings in both residential and commercial applications.
Markets and Markets said in its report: “Biocides are used as additives in the paint industry to protect the paint from spoilage during storage and to prevent fungi and algae from growing on the applied paint. The damage to surfaces coated with paint and coating materials is due to microbial attack has always been an area of concern to the industry. They are also used in polymers for preventing the growth of bacteria or fungi and also to prevent degradation of polymer physical and sensorial properties, both within the material and at its surface.”
In 2010, Markets and Markets predicted that the global biocides market would grow to $9.4 billion by 2016. In a more recent report, the firm predicts that the global market will reach $10.6 billion by 2020. North America is currently the dominant market for biocides, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing.
“The reviving construction industry in North America drives the market for biocides in paints and coatings and wood preservation segments,” the report states. “The paints and coatings segment is expected to witness growth during the projected period.”
For its part, the Asia-Pacific region’s increased focus on safe food packaging is expected to propel the biocides market there. Construction activities, new manufacturing, and continued construction investments in the region are also expected to contribute to the increased utilization of biocides.
Biocides are available in a variety of formulations, depending on need, and halogen compounds held the largest market share through 2014. They are expected to continue to dominate the market through 2020, Markets and Markets predicts. Halogen compounds are popular because they offer “very effective microbial growth control agents, less costly, efficient, have wide spectrum of applications, and relatively low occurrence of resistance.”
Another type of biocide using metallic compounds is widely used in wood preservation, food and beverage, and paint and coatings applications.
“Silver-based biocides are widely used as an antibacterial agent in consumer products because of their properties such as high thermal stability and health and environmental safety,” the report states.
New Products
Major suppliers of biocides include companies such as Clariant, Dow Microbial Control, Lonza, Reactive Surfaces and Troy Corporation, among several others. What follows is a snapshot of their available products for the global marketplace.
Clariant offers several biocides to prevent the formation of bacteria and fungi in water-based fluids. The company has four products in its Nipacide line. One product, Nipacide BIT 20, is an in-can biocide based on BIT. It is a glycol-based solution; a low toxicity biocide developed for the complete in-can protection of water based products. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms including gram positive and gram negative bacteria, yeast and fungi.
Nipacide BIT 20 can be used over a wide pH and temperature range. Nipacide BIT 20 has been designed for products with pH >8 and production temperatures of >40 C.
Dow Microbial Control offers multiple products designed for use in process preservation chemistries, formulation expertise, preservation and dry films, water treatments, sanitizing and disenfection, and regulatory and toxicology research. Such products include SEA-NINE, designed for marine antifouling paint.
SEA-NINE 211N Marine Antifouling Agent was the recipient of the First Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award in 1996 (U.S. EPA). It is broad spectrum, effective against a broad array of marine fouling organisms, and actively, rapidly biodegrades in the environment. It offers minimal potential for bio-accumulation, an excellent safety profile and low human health risk. According to Dow Microbial Control, it also features an excellent eco-toxicological profile.
SEA-NINE 211N is effective by itself or in combination with other biocides and has been designed specifically for use in commercial vessels, naval vessels and super yachts, and on buoys, sluice doors and offshore structures submerged in marine and brackish water. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has approved DCOIT under Product Type 21 for use in antifouling products and related coating formulations under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).
Lonza offers its customers in both the United States and Canada dozens of biocides to meet their needs. One product, Densil DN Antimicrobial, is a liquid formulation of n-Butyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BBIT). It offers a broad spectrum of antifungal activity. It is stable to alkalis and amines; stable over broad pH range, heat stable and non-volatile. It is halogen and formaldehyde free.
Another product, Omacide IPBC 100 Fungicide, is a solid formulation of 3-lodo-2-propynl-n -butylcarbamate (IPBC). It is broad-spectrum antimicrobial and provides excellent protection to coatings on wood substrate. According to the company, it offers a long history of proven performance.
Reactive Surfaces offers its customers ProteCoat additives to protect coatings from unwanted organisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. The company says ProteCoat is effective for coatings in-processing, in-the-can, and in-the-film (on painted surfaces). They can be used alone or synergistically in combination with existing biocides, reducing or eliminating the need for more toxic and more environmentally-damaging additives in coatings. Long-term weathering studies with ProteCoat in outdoor coatings indicate they continuously work under real-world conditions, that they provide excellent alternatives to existing toxic biocides, and that they are not associated with the production or release of hazardous compounds to the environment.
Troy Corporation is introducing Polyphase 963, an advanced broad-spectrum fungicide and algaecide for enhanced performance, environmental responsibility, and the lowest cost-in-use in wood protection. Polyphase 963 is formulated for solvent-based exterior wood protective coatings and stains. Based on world-leading preservative technologies, Polyphase 963 offers long-term performance as well as low-VOC, formaldehyde-free composition.
Troy is also introducing Troysan 1050, an advanced dry-film preservative formulated to impart long-lasting bacterial resistance to interior paints, coatings, caulks, and sealants. The unique antibacterial dry-film preservative is free of VOC and formaldehyde, making Troysan 1050 an excellent choice for modern ‘green’ interior systems. Fast-acting Troysan 1050 is effective at low use levels, translating into cost-effective coatings protection.
Additionally, Troy has announced the addition of the Fungitrol and Nuosept brands to the company’s premier portfolio of preservatives, delivering even more value, performance, and sustainability to the marketplaces served.
TER Chemicals Distribution Group recently announced a “close cooperation” with LANXESS Deutschland GmbH. The purpose is the expansion and improvement of services on biocides to various industries in Germany and Benelux. With this step, TER GROUP says it will strengthen and expand its product portfolio with synergies in all TER Chemicals Industry Management Groups.
“Right from the first contact with Ter Hell, we have been impressed with the know-how about industrial applications of biocides we found at Ter Hell. We look forward to building on this expertise and broaden both our customer base and application areas by the new partnership,” said Daniel Schlawe, Head of Sales EMEA at LANXESS’ business unit Material Protection Products.
“Lanxess biocides are an excellent supplement to our chemical specialties product portfolio and a valuable enlargement of our long-term relationships with leading global chemical suppliers. The new contract provides a platform for further growth in coatings, plastics and industrial performance,” added Wolfgang Weger, Director of Business Development and Marketing.
According to a report by research firm Markets and Markets, the aforementioned industrial markets are expected to significantly boost the demand for biocides. The newer breed of biocides, the report states, have lesser environmental impact and better performance features – key drivers of the biocide market. Growth in water treatment is driving the global biocide market, given that the water treatment industry is dependent upon total global water consumption. Markets and Markets found that the water treatment segment held approximately 25.6 percent the global market share in 2014 in terms of volume.
“The increasing demand for treated municipal and industrial water from end-use industries is driving the market for biocides. The increased emphasis on clean water by the governments of both the developed and developing nations paves the way for the growth of biocides,” the report states.
Following water treatment, food and beverage applications are another major segment for biocides. Food safety regulations, which are frequently updated in both North America and Europe, are market drivers.
In developed countries, the paints and coatings industries are a significant market. In fact, market research and consulting firm Grand View Research found that North America accounts for 40% of the global revenue share for the biocides market. That number is largely propelled by an increased demand for paints and coatings in both residential and commercial applications.
Markets and Markets said in its report: “Biocides are used as additives in the paint industry to protect the paint from spoilage during storage and to prevent fungi and algae from growing on the applied paint. The damage to surfaces coated with paint and coating materials is due to microbial attack has always been an area of concern to the industry. They are also used in polymers for preventing the growth of bacteria or fungi and also to prevent degradation of polymer physical and sensorial properties, both within the material and at its surface.”
In 2010, Markets and Markets predicted that the global biocides market would grow to $9.4 billion by 2016. In a more recent report, the firm predicts that the global market will reach $10.6 billion by 2020. North America is currently the dominant market for biocides, while Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing.
“The reviving construction industry in North America drives the market for biocides in paints and coatings and wood preservation segments,” the report states. “The paints and coatings segment is expected to witness growth during the projected period.”
For its part, the Asia-Pacific region’s increased focus on safe food packaging is expected to propel the biocides market there. Construction activities, new manufacturing, and continued construction investments in the region are also expected to contribute to the increased utilization of biocides.
Biocides are available in a variety of formulations, depending on need, and halogen compounds held the largest market share through 2014. They are expected to continue to dominate the market through 2020, Markets and Markets predicts. Halogen compounds are popular because they offer “very effective microbial growth control agents, less costly, efficient, have wide spectrum of applications, and relatively low occurrence of resistance.”
Another type of biocide using metallic compounds is widely used in wood preservation, food and beverage, and paint and coatings applications.
“Silver-based biocides are widely used as an antibacterial agent in consumer products because of their properties such as high thermal stability and health and environmental safety,” the report states.
New Products
Major suppliers of biocides include companies such as Clariant, Dow Microbial Control, Lonza, Reactive Surfaces and Troy Corporation, among several others. What follows is a snapshot of their available products for the global marketplace.
Clariant offers several biocides to prevent the formation of bacteria and fungi in water-based fluids. The company has four products in its Nipacide line. One product, Nipacide BIT 20, is an in-can biocide based on BIT. It is a glycol-based solution; a low toxicity biocide developed for the complete in-can protection of water based products. It is effective against a wide range of microorganisms including gram positive and gram negative bacteria, yeast and fungi.
Nipacide BIT 20 can be used over a wide pH and temperature range. Nipacide BIT 20 has been designed for products with pH >8 and production temperatures of >40 C.
Dow Microbial Control offers multiple products designed for use in process preservation chemistries, formulation expertise, preservation and dry films, water treatments, sanitizing and disenfection, and regulatory and toxicology research. Such products include SEA-NINE, designed for marine antifouling paint.
SEA-NINE 211N Marine Antifouling Agent was the recipient of the First Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award in 1996 (U.S. EPA). It is broad spectrum, effective against a broad array of marine fouling organisms, and actively, rapidly biodegrades in the environment. It offers minimal potential for bio-accumulation, an excellent safety profile and low human health risk. According to Dow Microbial Control, it also features an excellent eco-toxicological profile.
SEA-NINE 211N is effective by itself or in combination with other biocides and has been designed specifically for use in commercial vessels, naval vessels and super yachts, and on buoys, sluice doors and offshore structures submerged in marine and brackish water. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has approved DCOIT under Product Type 21 for use in antifouling products and related coating formulations under the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR).
Lonza offers its customers in both the United States and Canada dozens of biocides to meet their needs. One product, Densil DN Antimicrobial, is a liquid formulation of n-Butyl-1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one (BBIT). It offers a broad spectrum of antifungal activity. It is stable to alkalis and amines; stable over broad pH range, heat stable and non-volatile. It is halogen and formaldehyde free.
Another product, Omacide IPBC 100 Fungicide, is a solid formulation of 3-lodo-2-propynl-n -butylcarbamate (IPBC). It is broad-spectrum antimicrobial and provides excellent protection to coatings on wood substrate. According to the company, it offers a long history of proven performance.
Reactive Surfaces offers its customers ProteCoat additives to protect coatings from unwanted organisms such as bacteria, algae, and fungi. The company says ProteCoat is effective for coatings in-processing, in-the-can, and in-the-film (on painted surfaces). They can be used alone or synergistically in combination with existing biocides, reducing or eliminating the need for more toxic and more environmentally-damaging additives in coatings. Long-term weathering studies with ProteCoat in outdoor coatings indicate they continuously work under real-world conditions, that they provide excellent alternatives to existing toxic biocides, and that they are not associated with the production or release of hazardous compounds to the environment.
Troy Corporation is introducing Polyphase 963, an advanced broad-spectrum fungicide and algaecide for enhanced performance, environmental responsibility, and the lowest cost-in-use in wood protection. Polyphase 963 is formulated for solvent-based exterior wood protective coatings and stains. Based on world-leading preservative technologies, Polyphase 963 offers long-term performance as well as low-VOC, formaldehyde-free composition.
Troy is also introducing Troysan 1050, an advanced dry-film preservative formulated to impart long-lasting bacterial resistance to interior paints, coatings, caulks, and sealants. The unique antibacterial dry-film preservative is free of VOC and formaldehyde, making Troysan 1050 an excellent choice for modern ‘green’ interior systems. Fast-acting Troysan 1050 is effective at low use levels, translating into cost-effective coatings protection.
Additionally, Troy has announced the addition of the Fungitrol and Nuosept brands to the company’s premier portfolio of preservatives, delivering even more value, performance, and sustainability to the marketplaces served.
TER Chemicals Distribution Group recently announced a “close cooperation” with LANXESS Deutschland GmbH. The purpose is the expansion and improvement of services on biocides to various industries in Germany and Benelux. With this step, TER GROUP says it will strengthen and expand its product portfolio with synergies in all TER Chemicals Industry Management Groups.
“Right from the first contact with Ter Hell, we have been impressed with the know-how about industrial applications of biocides we found at Ter Hell. We look forward to building on this expertise and broaden both our customer base and application areas by the new partnership,” said Daniel Schlawe, Head of Sales EMEA at LANXESS’ business unit Material Protection Products.
“Lanxess biocides are an excellent supplement to our chemical specialties product portfolio and a valuable enlargement of our long-term relationships with leading global chemical suppliers. The new contract provides a platform for further growth in coatings, plastics and industrial performance,” added Wolfgang Weger, Director of Business Development and Marketing.
