Biocides under Pressure

The European Coatings Conference "Novel Biocide Technology" in Berlin. Dirk Meine. On 6 and 7 February, 98 biocide experts from 16 countries met in Berlin to discuss innovations regarding antimicrobial agents for in-can and film conservation in view of the implications of the new EU Biocidal Products Directive. The intensive discussions during the conference made quite clear: There are highly innovative developments, however, the high costs of notification make new active substances on the market very unlikely. And for biocide mixtures, "synergy" is a buzz word having also negative implications. Biocides are indeed facing a difficult suituation: On the one hand, they are needed more than ever, because waterborne coating systems offer microorganisms everything they could wish for. If they are not controlled, they can cause a considerable damage -in the can, in the coatings production process, or in the coated product after application. However, under the new European Biocidal Products Directive (BPD), the use of biocides is strictly regulated. Several speakers at the ECC "Novel Biocide Technology" in Berlin addressed the implications of the BPD above all John Duddridge (Rohm and Haas), who delivered the opening presentation at the conference, as a renowned expert on this topic. Duddridge explained the definitions, procedures and relevant time frames of the BPD and other relevant directives, and also discussed the data requirements neccessary for the product notification.