The market for biocides, algaecides and fungicides continues on an upward trend in 2014, with a particular focus on environmental regulations and a number of new formulations.

“There has been a slight increase in the use of biocides this year,” said Walt Conti, technical specialist, strategic marketing group, and performance chemicals, Buckman USA. “Solvent-based coatings continue to see reduced production as governments, customers, and environmentalists push toward products that are more ecological and user friendly. On the other hand, with the greater use of water-based coatings, more biocides will be needed to keep them preserved.”

Oliver Weigenand, material protection products, vice president, North and Central America, Lanxess has seen an upward trend in global demand for biocides as well.

“Overall, the global biocide demand is on an upward trend due to new infrastructure in emerging economies which have rising environmental awareness and stricter regulations for biocides,” Weigenand said. “The recovery of the U.S. construction market (e.g. remodeling and new constructions) will also contribute for this growth.”

Lonza reported modest growth this year.
“We are seeing modest growth in the global biocide market for paints and coatings,” said David Tierney, head of global sales, Lonza Industrial Solutions. ”This is mainly driven by demand in South American and Asia.”
Environmental Compliance

One of the key drivers of the biocides market is environmental regulations. The drive for more water-based technologies means an increased need for biocides.

“Many customers require products with little or zero volatile organic compounds (VOCs) being released into the atmosphere,” Conti said. “This includes products applied to a substrate via spray, roller, brush, electrostatic, etc., as well as when cured, while air drying, or under UV.”

Customers also have health concerns when using a biocide in a water-based product. “The answer is that there will always be some risk when utilizing a product that was developed to kill or minimize bacterial growth, so some type of precaution should always be taken,” Conti said.

Customers continue to look for “low to no” VOC biocides, increased product life, environmentally friendly products and formaldehyde free materials.

“In Europe, in particular, there is an increased concern regarding sensitizing substances,” Weigenand. “EUH208 requires a new warning phrase that reduces considerably the dosage of some well-known molecules in the market (e.g. BIT, MIT, etc). This change will take place in 2015 and will create opportunities for new or existing molecules to be used in different combinations for the paints & coatings industry.”

Paint manufacturers are interested in lower sensitizing molecules and lower release of the active compounds into the environment.
“This is driven by both governmental regulations as well as NGO’s such as Greenshield in USA,” said Tierney. ”As an example, forthcoming CLP regulations in Europe will drive the need for enhanced activity of existing active compounds at the same or lower concentrations than are currently used. Further changes to the classification of certain actives will impact upon the choices made by downstream users. Use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde-release technologies will continue to come under increasing regulatory pressure as a result of these trends.”

New Formulations
Biocides manufacturers have launched a number of new products this year.
Buckman reported that its Oxamine chemistry has been greeted with great success and a lot of interest.

“Buckman has also been involved with enzymes for several years and enzyme technology continues to grow as well,” Conti said. “Lastly, blends of existing chemistries have been formulated due to the costs associated with the EPA, testing, and registrations of new chemistries.”

In the U.S., Troy introduced Polyphase S99, an innovative broad-spectrum fungicide plus algaecide that offers long-term performance and lowest cost-in-use.  Troy developed S99 with the intention of providing USA customers with the advanced product technology they will need to succeed in the years to come. 

S99 is a low-leaching, Diuron-free product based on the world-leading preservative technologies IPBC, BCM, and Terbutryn.  Formulated for water-based exterior paints, coatings, and stucco systems, S99 is a VOC- and formaldehyde-free preservative with a low hazard profile, making the product ideal for tomorrow’s ‘green’ systems. 

“Additionally, Troy is introducing Polyphase 963, an advanced broad-spectrum fungicide plus algaecide for solvent-based exterior wood protective coatings and stains,” said W. Brian Smith, vice president, Troy Corporation. “Based on world-leading preservative technologies IPBC, BCM, and Diuron, 963 offers long-term performance and lowest cost-in-use.  963 is a zero-VOC product with a safe toxicological profile.”

Troy’s Polyphase 860CR, is a broad-spectrum fungicide plus algaecide that offers customers in the Asia-Pacific region excellent long-term dry-film protection of exterior coatings. Troy has also introduced Polyphase 2167, an innovative broad-spectrum dry-film preservative that not only is highly effective against fungi and yeast, but also creates an antibacterial surface through a unique immobilization technology.

In Europe, Troy is introducing Polyphase 864CR, a next-generation broad-spectrum fungicide plus algaecide based on proprietary technology that provides outstanding long-term protection in water-based exterior paints, coatings, stucco, roof coatings, and adhesives.  864CR not only provides class-leading protection, but also offers the lowest cost-in-use of any preservative available in Europe.  864CR employs a controlled release mechanism of the active ingredients IPBC, BCM, Isoproturon, and Terbutryn for optimum broad-spectrum efficacy as well as environmental benefits such as resistance to excessive leaching. 

For the American market, LANXESS has launched a new biocide for dry film application called Preventol A 14-D. This is a combination of three active ingredients that provides fungicidal and algicidal protection for exterior applications. This year LXS released its first products containing slow release Diuron (algicide) and it is already developing additional products making using of this technology.

“Through the acquisition, LANXESS added to its already strong supply position in the rapidly-growing Asia-Pacific region,” said Weigenand. “LANXESS gained access to a complementary portfolio of biocides and benefited from PCTS’ highly recognized product expertise and know-how in paints and coatings.”

Lonza has launched two new products, Densil ZOD and Densil FAZ for dry film protection of architectural coatings.
“These products provide long-term protection against both moulds and algae, without the use of carbendazim,” said Tierney. “Both products incorporate a patented color stabilization technology.”

In April 2013, LANXESS acquired Singapore based PCTS Specialty Chemicals Pte. Ltd.
Lonza has recently established a global innovation center in Alpharetta, GA, which serves as a focal point for both global technical development as well as customer service and application support.