New tools for an emerging formulation dilemma: Effective preservation without hazard phrases

 
There is an emerging dilemma for formulators of water based industrial products in that fewer preservatives are available, and many of those that remain contain actives which attract hazard communication phrases if present above threshold levels. These phrases can alarm consumers, and alter their buying behaviors. The most relevant hazard phrase in this context is EUH317. The current challenge for formulators involves selecting preservation system components to achieve robust preservation without exceeding EUH317 thresholds. However, many preservative systems currently selected to meet this challenge include MIT (2-Methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one). Given that the ECHA RAC committee has recommended reducing the EUH317 trigger concentration for this active, it is clear that the formulator´s task will become even more difficult in the future. This paper describes a promising new approach.