An EPA-registered sodium benzoate is approved in the U.S. for use as an in-can biocide in waterborne adhesives, coatings, inks, homecare products, raw materials, and other applications.
Proper preservation is an important contributor to sustainability, as it extends product shelf life and reduces waste associated with quickly spoiled products. An extensive study by the American Coatings Association concludes that preservation has a beneficial impact on carbon footprint.1 Preservation is also critical to protect products, manufacturers, and consumers from the risks associated with microbial contamination, such as reduced product performance, adverse health effects, and eroded consumer trust due to a potential recall.
Manufacturers of products requiring antimicrobial protection are facing an ever-diminishing list of accepted biocidal compounds. Ingredient restrictions and label requirements, in combination with non-government organization (NGO) and consumer scrutiny, have made many classical chemistries unfeasible or less desirable. Further, demand is growing for products certified to green standards, such as U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice.