Rethinking preservation: Safer, sustainable alternatives to traditional biocides
Marta Sacristán of Tolsa introduces Adins Protection
In an increasingly interconnected and hygiene-conscious world, the demand for cleaner, safer environments has never been higher. Surfaces in public spaces, healthcare facilities, food processing plants and even homes are frequent contact points for microbial contamination. Bacteria, fungi and viruses can survive on surfaces for extended periods, contributing to the spread of infections and compromising material integrity.
Understanding antimicrobial additives
Antimicrobial additives are substances incorporated into paints and coatings to inhibit the growth of microorganisms like bacteria, mould and mildew on surfaces. These additives, often biocides, are integrated during the manufacturing process and work 24 / 7 to prevent stains, odours and material degradation. Common types include silver-based, organic and plant-based active ingredients. They are used in a wide range of applications, such as kitchens, bathrooms, medical equipment and high-touch surfaces.
Antimicrobial additives can be broadly categorised into biocidal additives, which are active against microorganisms by disrupting cellular processes, and biostatic additives, which inhibit microbial growth without necessarily killing the organisms. Common chemistries include silver-based compounds, zinc pyrithione, quaternary ammonium compounds( QACs), organic acids and natural extracts.
Biocides such as chloromethylisothiazolinone( CIT), methylisothiazolinone( MIT) and benzisothiazolinone( BIT) have long been used in water-based formulations due to their low dosage efficacy against bacteria, moulds and fungi. However, rising toxicity concerns, particularly regarding skin sensitisation, allergic contact dermatitis, and respiratory irritation, have prompted a wave of regulatory tightening.
The CIT / MIT combination, for instance, now faces severe restrictions under European regulation, especially in products with prolonged dermal exposure. This landscape has left formulators scrambling for compliant, safer and equally effective alternatives, without sacrificing performance.
An inorganic breakthrough
Tolsa’ s Adins Protection * is an inorganic additive that is delivered through proprietary encapsulation technology in white powder form. Unlike traditional biocides, it is chemically inert, pHstable across the whole range, colourstable and suitable for transparent formulations, and offers long-term in-can and dry-film protection without relying on traditional biocides.
Engineered to meet the latest health, environmental and regulatory demands, Adins Protection not only achieves over 99.99 % microbial elimination but also avoids the welldocumented risks associated with substances like BIT, MIT and CIT, which are under increasing scrutiny in the EU and beyond.
Its mode of action centres on uniform dispersion and extended antimicrobial activity, which allows for very low dosages while achieving superior
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