SEPAWA® CONGRESS 2022 

Speaker: Surya Kamin

Company: Ashland Industries Nederland BV

Title: Polymers for Long Lasting Disinfection

Abstract: As a result of increasing consumer awareness for cleaning and disinfection, the worldwide retail sales of disinfectants and multipurpose cleaners increased significantly in the last few years. This trend is expected to continue due to changing consumer habits. Current disinfecting products are effective at instant disinfection, however, with repeated exposure and human contact, surfaces are re-contaminated and require frequent reapplication of the disinfectant. Long lasting performance reduces the need for repeated application, thereby improving the sustainability profile and cost efficiency of the product. Several new products launched in both European and North American market claim 24-hour protection against microbes as per EPA RSS and BSI PAS protocols. Ashland presents an overview of polymer technologies that enable long-lasting protection by extending the life of commonly used biocidal actives, such as quats.   These polymers are water-soluble and form substantive films that significantly extend the effect of common biocides on various surfaces such as glass, plastic, and stainless steel. These polymers are applicable to a variety of product formats such as wipes, sprays, and dilutable formulations. They are also EPA inert listed and not considered a microplastic, as they are derogated from the ECHA microplastics restriction based on solubility. These polymers are compatible with variety of formulation components such as organic acids, peroxides, surfactants, and wetting agents. Additionally, they are soluble in solvents such as glycols and glycol ethers commonly used in formulations.