Ecolab Inc. has entered into a marketing agreement with DuPont to commercialize new antimicrobial coating technologies for the food and beverage processing industry that will reduce the risk of environmental contamination by enhancing food facility hygiene. The control of mold, and pathogenic bacteria, especially Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes, is a significant challenge for the food processing industry.

"This new technology provides an industry-leading antimicrobial coating solution that is easily applied and removed from surfaces in the food processing environment," said Thomas Handley, Ecolab's president, Global Food and Beverage. "This partnership combines the foundational knowledge of DuPont in coatings and polymer science, and its expertise in engineering solutions and market-driven innovation, with Ecolab's strength in application development, regulatory and customer expertise in the food and beverage processing industry."

Limited-scale market trials are under way in Europe and North America. The parties are currently working with regulatory agencies to obtain additional necessary approvals in the U.S., Canada and the European Union.