Public awareness around the benefits of microbial control is somewhat limited, especially in the context of microbial control technologies and their applications. Very little is known about how anti-microbial technologies function or the role they play in preserving crucial products. Antimicrobials are crucial to lengthening product shelf life and protecting products like dry film from algae, mold and mildew. Protecting coatings from microbial growth on dry film is critical, especially when coatings are used in interior areas exposed to humidity – like bathrooms and kitchens, and exterior paints exposed to environmental conditions. Surfaces affected by mold, fungi or algae growth, can compromise the integrity of the paint and negatively affect the aesthetics of the surface. Consumers may be unaware that microbial control products are first used to preserve a material itself, e.g. stabilize a can of paint before its application and/or protect the material the paint is applied to like wood coatings to protect structures. For example, take today’s growing demand for paint with lower solvent emissions; such innovations would not be possible without the use of bactericides, also referred to as wet-state or in-can preservatives. Forget to use them and water-based paints would very quickly deteriorate in the can. These are just a few reasons microbial control technologies are of vital importance to coatings and maintaining vital products in our homes.

Microbial control is needed to prevent paints from breaking down during storage, losing all viscosity, texture and adhesion ability. Yet, by and large, people know very little about these technologies. This is why the Microbial Control Executive Council (MCEC) was created in 2015, in order to promote the safe and effective use of microbial control technologies. The MCEC was originally made up of five members, Lanxess, Lonza, Troy, Dow and BASF; and in 2016 we were very happy to welcome our newest member, ICL. We set up the MCEC as a way to communicate the value and safe use of microbial control technologies. In creating the MCEC we envisioned a reference point for stakeholders and the public alike. Our aim is to engage with the public, scientific community and wider industry and provide easy-to-digest information on microbial control as information on sustainable microbial control science and technologies for industry.

The MCEC seeks to inform many sectors about microbial control; promote the benefits and solutions of microbial-control technologies and also address the challenges we face. From disease control to wood preservation to sustainable construction, microbial control technologies protect our health and the environment. The science and the industry behind microbial control technologies faces a number of challenges and opportunities, which the MCEC and its members are eager to address. Appropriate development, technological advancement, and sustainable use of microbial control technologies are at the core of MCEC members’ commitment to society and the betterment of our well-being.

The MCEC has a number of different ways of communicating its message. We mainly engage online and through events. We created an information center that engages visitors with comprehensive yet convenient information on how microbial-control helps us to create a healthier and safer environment. The information center details how microbial control improves our world through a wide range of industries and sectors such as disease and infection control, marine shipping, paints & coatings, wastewater management or oil and gas recovery. Through this portal, our visitors are informed on the latest developments in the sector. Additionally, the MCEC has an active LinkedIn page where MCEC activities and stories of interest, new technologies and developments are shared with our followers. Recently, the MCEC has actively engaged with industry and downstream users by attending large industry led events such as the European Coatings Show in Nuremburg. We plan on taking part in future events like the upcoming Conference on Biocides in Kassel, Germany where the MCEC will present on the benefits of microbial control in construction.

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