Key Takeaways from this newsletter:

• The umbrella of sustainability in coatings  includes biocide reduction and elimination. 
• New raw materials are being introduced that are free of biocides. 
• Booster technology can help lower effective biocide levels.
• Innovation in this field will persist, with advancements extending to processing techniques like pasteurization.

When discussing sustainable coatings, many people focus on biorenewable solutions. However, sustainable coatings can also include circularity, durability, and health considerations. One approach to creating healthy coatings is via formulation of antimicrobial coatings that actively kill bacteria and viruses. Examples include Copper Force by Behr, Copper Armor by PPG, and SuperPaint with Sanitizing Technology by Sherwin Williams. 

Another way to enhance health-conscious coatings is by eliminating or minimizing components with potential adverse health effects. These materials include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), alkylphenol ethoxylate surfactants (APEs), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), and biocides, such as preservatives and mildewcides. 

Biocide-Free Raw Materials 

Recent advancements have led to the introduction of biocide-free raw materials, as discussed on the Polaris Chemical Consulting website: 

Acrysol RM-735BF Rheology Modifier by Dow.(1) A mid-shear (KU) thickener for architectural coatings, presented at the 2024 American Coatings Show. It also contributes to high-shear (ICI) 

viscosity development. 

Pearls Solid Colorants by Vibrantz.(2) A volumetrically dispensed solid colorant system introduced at the 2023 European Coatings Show. Since the system is based on solid colorants and contains no water, biocides are unnecessary. 

Booster Technology for Biocide Reduction 

Boosters enhance the effectiveness of preservatives at lower concentrations. Boosters weaken cell membranes, making them more susceptible to biocides, thus reducing the amount required for efficacy.(3)

Lower biocide levels mitigate toxicity-related health concerns and can help manufacturers avoid hazard labeling. Arxada, a specialty chemicals company, launched Polyboost in February 2025.(4) This multifunctional additive enables formulators to maintain preservation efficacy while working with lower biocide levels, potentially allowing manufacturers to avoid H317 labeling which warns of potential allergic skin reactions. For example, methylisothiazolinone must remain below 15 ppm in the EU to avoid H317 labeling, and Polyboost can help achieve this threshold. 

Innovation and Future Developments 

Ongoing efforts to lower biocide levels are fueling innovation, particularly in response to heightened regulatory scrutiny. While the above advancements focus on raw materials, processing improvements are also emerging, including a method for paint pasteurization.(5) With sustainability leading the charge, expect continued progress in biocide-free and low-preservative coating technologies in the near future.

#sustainability #biocides #biocidefree #biocidereduction #healthycoatings #booster

(1) ACRYSOL™ RM-735BF Rheology Modifier | Dow Inc.

(2) Pearls - Vibrantz Technologies 

(3) Biocides with booster technology | chemipol.com

(4) Arxada unveils Polyboost™, a first-of-its-kind multifunctional additive for the paint & coatings industry

(5) US10639386B2 - Pasteurizing paints and method for pasteurizing paints - Google Patents

(photo credit: jess loiterton, pexels.com)