IAN WATT
DuPont Nutrition & Biosciences

Abstract

Biocides are indispensable in a wide range of industries, enabling healthier populations, more efficient industrial operations, and providing a valuable contribution towards more sustainable economies. The EU’s Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) does an excellent job of assessing biocide risks, but needs to balance that with assessments of their overall sustainability value. A more balanced risk-benefit BPR protocol is critical to the future success of, inter-alia, the home and personal care (H&PC) industry. The contribution of biocides is multi-faceted. They assist in reducing waste, energy consumption, and use of non-renewable resources. Biocides enable efficient water usage and the lowering of carbon emissions, whilst providing a high level of protection of human health and the environment. These factors should be consolidated into the regulatory processes, providing recognition of the essential value of biocides to a sustainable society.

Sustainable development has become a prominent objective for all global industries, including home and personal care (H&PC) products. The proper use and efficacy of biocides as a means of addressing a wide range of sustainability objectives therefore becomes an increasingly important issue. In the larger picture, properly used biocides: 

• Play a key role in the efficient consumption and best use of finite resources.
• Contribute to high standards of public and environmental health.
• Facilitate the transition toward circular and low-carbon economies.

Biocides are also indispensable for helping myriad industries to ensure healthier populations, efficient operations, and a more sustainable future (Table 1). 

REGULATION OF BIOCIDES: A NEED FOR BALANCE

Responsible manufacturers and industrial users of biocides recognise and support the need for regulating the use of these critical ingredients. In most countries, biocidal products such as disinfectants, preservatives for homecare products, and odour control ...