EPA to register antimicrobial additives for use in USA

10-Aug-11

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered NanoBioMatters’ BactiBlock® antimicrobial polymer preservative for use in USA. BactiBlock® is a very robust and cost effective solution based on silver-functionalized clay and is intended to hold back the growth of algae, mold, mildew, fungi and bacteria, which cause deterioration, odors, corrosion and stains in polymer-based products. BactiBlock antimicrobial preservatives are already produced at commercial scale, having been used in Europe since 2010. Founded in 2005, NanoBioMatters is a Spain based leading supplier of engineered clay-based additives. The proprietary and patent-pending BactiBlock technology features purified and modified phyllosilicate clay which is used as a performance-enhancing carrier of the silver antimicrobial agent. As a result, BactiBlock is engineered for long term applications and will provide superior anti-microbial performance for several years. The BactiBlock range of products are compatible for use with a range of polymers and plastics including polyolefins, engineering resins, powder coatings, liquid coatings, and thermosets. The additive can be delivered as a micronized powder, gel concentrate or a masterbatch and specific levels of each component can be fine tuned to achieve the desired performance. Final concentration of the total additive package is highly dependent on product design and target properties with typical concentration ranging from 0.5-2%. “The recent EPA registration opens the door for commercial entry of these unique antimicrobial preservatives into the U.S.,” said Ole Faarbaek, Vice President of NanoBioMatters North America. “Several major U.S. brand owners in key markets have finalized testing and commercial use in the U.S. is expected later this year” added Faarbaek.