Microbe
by Cynthia Challener
JCT COATINGSTECH
Contributing Writer
Increasingly strict regulations covering both coatings and biocidal
actives have placed manufacturers of antimicrobials in a difficult position.
The paint formulations being developed today are more susceptible to microbial attack, requiring broader spectrum control. At the same time, several biocides in use have been shown to have questionable safety and environmental profiles, at least in some geographic regions. Producers have
responded by developing “greener” formulations of existing biocides and
investigating new combinations of actives to address the more complex
needs of customers while meeting the requirements of regulatory agencies
and the growing expectations of consumers for more sustainable (but no
less antimicrobial) coating products.
The global market for biocides used as dry film or in-can was estimated
to be $455 million in 2008 (see Table 1), according to market research
firm Kusumgar, Nerlfi & Growney (KNG). Demand is expected to decline
approximately 3% in 2009 as the paint and coatings market contracts.
Currently, dry film products account for 55% of the market in value terms.
Consumption of biocides in marine coatings totaled $105 million in
2009. KNG expects demand will rise by 5% in 2009, but then drop after
2010 due to a decline in world trade and new ship orders.
Leading suppliers of biocides for paints and coatings include Arch
Chemicals, International Specialty Products (ISP), Dow Microbial Control
(formed from the combination of Dow Biocides and Rohm and Haas
Company biocides businesses), Troy Corporation, Thor Specialties, and
Lanxess (see Table 2).
There are several key selection criteria that paint manufacturers con-
sider when choosing a particular biocide. “Regulatory approvals, envi-
