The Keys to Success in the Coatings Biocide Market

By Cynthia Challener

For many paint and coatings applications, par­ticularly in the architectural segment, biocides play a critical role in preventing microbiological growth in the manufacturing plant, during storage of the final formu­lation in the can, and in the applied dry film. The con­sequences of microbial contamination can range from minor to serious. Such consequences include gas pro­duction, bulging containers, phase separation, viscosity changes, poor stability, and foul odors in the can, as well as staining, discoloration, and loss of film-forming properties in the applied coating. Biocides manufactur­ers are challenged by consolidation in the paint and coatings market, an increasingly restrictive regulatory environment, growing consumer demand for “greener” products, and the need to meet customer-specific per­formance expectations.

In 2012, the global market for formulated bio­cides used in paint and coatings applications totaled $500 million, according to David Tierney, global head of sales for the Industrial Solutions Business Unit of Lonza Group. Of that, 70% is attributed to architec­tural applications and the remaining 30% split equally between marine and industrial uses. The value of the market for the biocide actives, according to Shruti SinghaI, director of Global Marketing and Innovation for Ashland Specialty Ingredients, is just over $310 million. India and China have experienced the greatest growth, but at a much lower level (single digits) than experienced previously. With its continuing economic difficulties, European demand for biocides used in paints and coatings is likely to remain flat. For the first time in a few years, however, North America is experi­encing a modest growth rate of approximately 2%.