L(+)-Lactic Acid as biocidal product for PT 6 applications
Jungbunzlauer has submitted a dossier to the competent authority, within the specified deadline to continue to act as a reliable partner for L(+)-lactic acid as a preservative in PT 6 applications.
Biocides are substances used in many consumer and industrial goods to combat or control organisms that otherwise may be harmful to human and animal health or the product itself.
In the European Union, biocides are regulated by the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) No 528/2012, which classifies them into 22 different biocidal product types (PTs), grouped in four main areas based on their core function: disinfectants (PT 1-5), preservatives (PT 6-13), pest control (PT 14-20), and other biocidal products (PT 21-22).
Due to the change in 2013 from the previously valid Biocidal Products Directive 98/8/EC to the current BPR, for many active substances and biocidal products transitional periods were put in place, which are accompanied by consecutive re-evaluations.
Under the BPR, L(+)-lactic acid (CAS-No. 79-33-4) has already been approved for use as biocidal active substance in PT 1, 2, 3, and 4 for more than four years; only PT 6 (in-can preservation) was still subject to the transitional period.
After the Biocidal Products Committee expressed their positive opinion to approve L(+)-lactic acid in PT 6 two years ago (ECHA/BPC/280/2021), the European Commission then published the respective Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/2048.
As L(+)-lactic acid is considered to be both an active substance and a biocidal product in PT 6, an application for authorisation of a biocidal PT 6 containing L(+)-lactic acid as active substance was required to remain on the European market.
Within the specified deadline, Jungbunzlauer has submitted a dossier to the competent authority to continue to act as a reliable partner for L(+)-lactic acid as a preservative in PT 6 applications.
Did you know? The efficacy of lactic acid as a preservative has been shown by Jungbunzlauer in previous tests. An addition of only 0.94% lactic acid to a simple aqueous solution containing 3% SLES is effective enough up to pH 3.5 to pass the Ph. Eur. 5.1.3, a standard test for preservation. The addition of ‘boosting’ substances such as anisic acid or caprylic acid enhanced the efficacy of lactic acid, preserving a solution of 10% SLES and 2.9% lactic acid at a demanding pH of 5.5.
Jungbunzlauer created formulas for a fabric softener, hand dishwash detergent and surface/bathroom cleaner, among others, to test the efficacy of lactic acid as a preservative. While all unpreserved formulations failed the Ph. Eur. 5.1.3, all tests with lactic acid successfully passed, making lactic acid an ideal candidate for bio-based preservation. Jungbunzlauer lactic acid is Ecocert- and COSMOS-approved, non-toxic and non-allergic.
