A rising trend in the biocide market is the use of cost-efficient products that are effective against target organisms without additionally damaging the environment. The proven Preventol line of products from specialty chemicals company LANXESS includes an increasing number of formulations containing no volatile organic compounds (VOC), formaldehyde or ingredients harmful to the environment.

LANXESS is a leading producer of biocidal active ingredients and formulations. At the European Coatings Show, taking place in Nuremberg, Germany, from March 29 to 31, 2011, the company will present its extensive range of products for preserving paints, coatings and plasters, as well as wood protection products and antifouling systems. These products not only preserve the good appearance of facades or patios, for example, but also safeguard the value of these objects in the long term.

In the field of coatings for the construction sector, the company markets a wide range of highly efficient products. Preventol-brand microbiocides for film and in-can preservation prevent the growth of organisms that can be harmful to health, for example. Furthermore, adequate preservation makes a significant contribution to protecting a coating product itself, as well as the resulting coating layer after application. And that saves resources. Consequently, high-performance protection against microorganisms can be seen as sustainable product optimization.

In reference to sustainability in the paints and coatings sector, Dr. Frank Sauer, Technical Marketing Manager Coatings, Material Protection Products (MPP) business unit, will give a presentation on "Sustainable coatings – Latest developments on slow release techniques of biocides“ at the European Coatings Congress on March 29, 2011.

At 5 p.m. on March 30, Monika Lamoratta, MPP expert for molecular biology, will also deliver a presentation at this congress, on the culture-independent characterization of bacteria using cutting-edge molecular biology methods in the area of aqueous coatings.

Even prior to application, water-based, eco-friendly paints and coatings in particular must be protected against microbial attack. When it comes to in-can preservation, grades containing no formaldehyde or VOCs, such as Preventol BM5, Preventol P 91 and Preventol BIT-IT 06 from LANXESS, protect against bacteria, fungi and yeasts.

In the film preservation segment, non-VOC formulations inhibit the growth of mold fungi and/or algae on dry coatings. These include Preventol A 6-D, an algaecide; Preventol A 23-D with its balanced mix of active ingredients against fungi and algae; and Preventol A 24, a highly efficient fungicide combination with an active ingredient content of more than 50 percent.

Antifouling systems are used in both the yacht sector and in commercial shipping. For example, Preventol A 5-S efficiently inhibits the growth of algae and fouling organisms on ship hulls, referred to as soft fouling. These organisms, in addition to other ocean organisms such as barnacles and mussels, can significantly increase fuel consumption in ships because they increase flow resistance. An effective antifouling coating therefore not only enhances efficiency, but also protects the environment by reducing the use of fossil fuels.  

Fungicides and insecticides are important ingredients in wood stains. The products in the LANXESS Preventol line efficiently protect wood substrates from discoloration, wood-destroying fungi and insects such as termites. The spectrum of action of wood stains can be tailored to the respective application. For instance, 12 different wood stains with different effects can be formulated by variously combining the products Preventol MP 400-D, Preventol A 8 and Preventol TX-CE.

According to a recent U.S. market study, the global coatings market is driven by rapid industrialization, economic activity and rising demand in the automotive and construction industries in Asia, Latin America and the developing countries. In addition, product and technology developments, combined with expanding environmental requirements, will revive mature markets in the United States and Europe. "To continue as a reliable partner for our customers in the future, we are registering the majority of our active ingredients as required under the European Biocidal Products Directive," added Andrea Petzold, production manager in the MPP business unit at LANXESS.

LANXESS has agreed to acquire the Material Protection business of Switzerland’s Syngenta. As a result, the German specialty chemicals company will become one of the leading suppliers of biocides for construction materials. The transaction is expected to close in April 2011. Both parties have agreed not to disclose the acquisition price.

The acquisition is also the starting point for a long-term strategic partnership between both companies. LANXESS will gain access to active ingredients and technologies developed by Syngenta in the future, for use in material protection. “We are delighted to be once again cooperating with one of world’s top innovators for active ingredients, which will ultimately benefit our customers,” said Rainier van Roessel, Board Member at LANXESS. “The deal also strengthens our focus on the megatrend urbanization. This trend offers enormous potential for our products that reliably protect construction materials.” 

The MPP business unit belongs to LANXESS’ Performance Chemicals segment, which achieved total sales in fiscal 2010 of EUR 1.98 billion.