Industrial biocide formulation — The way forward

Increasing legislative requirements and the necessity for greater environmental acceptability have emphasised the need for either new, or carefully selected blends of existing, biocides. Blending of existing biocides offers a means of providing broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, the possibility of synergy and avoids the high cost of screening new molecules. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of this approach and illustrates the properties of new formulations utilising mixtures of commercially available biocides. Laboratory data are presented on the performance of formulations for the preservation of cosmetics and toiletries.

The performance of new formulations for use as industrial biocides in metal-working fluids and water treatment applications is discussed.