Disinfection with Lactic Acid

Hygiene and disinfection are an integral part of our daily lives not only since the corona pandemic. We use products such as anti-bacterial hand-soaps, surface cleaners, and laundry detergents more than ever. However, many established biocides that are commonly used in such products might also pose risks – not only to human health but also to our environment. In addition, many conventional actives are still produced synthetically, even though the demand and market for bio-based solutions are growing. Here, green alternatives, e.g. lactic acid produced by natural fermentation, may overcome these drawbacks by combining natural origin, effectivity, safe handling, and environmental friendliness.

Jungbunzlauer’s L(+)-lactic acid is your ideal candidate as a green yet effective biocidal agent. Obtained by fermentation of natural and renewable resources, it is vegan, manufactured without GMO, and approved by ECOCERT as raw material from natural origin for use in detergents and personal care products.
L(+)-lactic acid conforms to the Biocidal Products Regulation and can be used as an active substance for product types (PT) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. Jungbunzlauer is an Article 95 listed supplier.

Anti-bacterial performance
In studies, Jungbunzlauer investigated the anti-bacterial potential of L(+)-lactic acid and was able to show its great effectivity against gram-negative bacteria. When combined with a suitable surfactant, the anti-bacterial performance of L(+)-lactic acid is drastically enhanced even below concentrations of 1% active matter, creating a functional and economical synergy that allows label free disinfectant formulations in line with applicable EU regulations.

Virucidal efficacy
Moreover, in times of the corona pandemic, biocides with additional antiviral properties are gaining even more focus. Therefore, Jungbunzlauer further assessed the virucidal activity of L(+)-lactic acid against enveloped viruses incl. corona virus by conducting the European standard test method EN 14476. Diluted only with water, L(+)-lactic acid is successful under dirty conditions at a concentration below 1% after 1 minute contact time. Embedded in a commercially usable formulation with a surfactant (SLES) and a thickener (xanthan gum), L(+)-lactic acid proved to be already successful within 30 seconds at an effective concentration of only 0.7%. These results allow the declaration of Jungbunzlauer L(+)-lactic acid as having “virucidal activity against all enveloped viruses- incl. corona virus”, making it an ideal and green active ingredient for disinfectants in personal as well as home care formulations.

Dual active
As a disinfectant, Jungbunzlauer’s fermentation-derived L(+)-lactic acid shows dual power thanks to its proven broad range efficacy against bacteria and various viruses. Incorporated in a formulation containing other ingredients such as surfactants, its performance can be further boosted, and even at relatively low concentrations, it is effective yet harmless and readily biodegradable. As a bio-based product, it meets market and consumer demands for green, non-toxic and sustainable solutions making our world safer, cleaner and more liveable.
A claim of disinfectant power combined with safety and naturalness no longer has to be a contradiction.

For more information on our L(+)-lactic acid as a biocidal agent, please consult our product webpage or get in contact with your local sales manager Request form

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Virucidal activity against all enveloped viruses- incl. corona virus