Lactic acid for sustainable antimicrobial cleaning products

Sustainable solution

Today, manufacturers can choose powerful antimicrobial and sanitizing agents that don't take a toll on the planet.

Corbion's portfolio of lactic acid ingredients provides a sustainable solution, delivering cleaning strength based on natural processes and renewable resources.

PURAC® Sanilac: An effective, greener antimicrobial agent

For household and industrial cleaning products, detergents, and human hygiene applications, our PURAC® Sanilac solution is a safe, yet potent, disinfecting alternative to traditional biocides. It is non-toxic for both humans and the ecosystems around us. 

While PURAC® Sanilac is not a biocide, it boasts superior dual-action performance as a highly effective antimicrobial agent and antiviral disinfectant. It has even been proven effective against the coronavirus.

For formulators who want to reduce the use of quaternary ammonium compounds or triclosan, Corbion's solution offers a viable alternative, especially when used in combination with surfactants, alcohols, chelating agents, or preservatives.

PURAC® Sanilac compliments many commonly used detergent ingredients, like surfactants and alcohols, to provide enhanced antimicrobial performance. Leveraging these properties, manufacturers can produce strong sanitizing bactericidal agents, even at low concentrations.

The product's antimicrobial benefits have been proven in EN 14476 testing, and respected industry figure, Novel, has recognized the antiviral properties of PURAC® Sanilac in formulation developments against a range of enveloped viruses.

Easy registration, strong environmental profile

At Corbion, we have taken steps to simplify production and regulatory compliance for you:

• In the United States, PURAC® Sanilac is registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). It has also been approved for the Design for the Environment (DfE) pilot program

• In Europe, the product is notified under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EU) No. 528/2012 for the following product types: PT 1, PT 2, PT 3, PT 4

• In Sweden, PURAC® Sanilac is also registered as a preservative for detergents at the Bra Miljöval, the Swedish ecolabel

• PURAC® Sanilac has a Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) status and does not sensitize skin

PURAC® 88T for descaling and soap scum removal

Our PURAC® 88T L-lactic acid is a dual-action ingredient for descaling and soap scum removal that's both safe and sustainable.

This high-performance solution has unique properties, including a favorable Acid Dissociation Constant (pKa value), calcium salts solubility, and molecule size. It compares well to a wide range of substrates and can be used in many applications, including window cleaning formulations, bathroom cleaners, and descaling products for home appliances.

PURAC® 88T also increases the stability of detergent formulations, thanks to its buffering ability. It's fully compatible with many detergent ingredients, and can be used in all types of formulations, from anionic to nonionic.

PURASOLV®: Sustainable solvents for home and I&I products

For manufacturers interested in replacing organic and halogenated solvents in industrial and consumer applications, Corbion's family of PURASOLV® L-lactic acid esters provides a more sustainable alternative. These unique, clear, and colorless liquids have a mild odor; they are non-toxic, biodegradable, and based on natural ingredients. Most importantly, they deliver outstanding antimicrobial and sanitizing performance.

This product range is extremely versatile. Today, our co-creators use PURASOLV® in a wide range of applications, including water-rinsible degreasers for industrial cleaning and wipe solvents, as well as paint strippers and hand degreasers.

Our PURASOLV® EL (ethyl-S-lactate) is a safe and sustainable solvent offering excellent solvency, cleaning, and degreasing power. Compatible with a wide range of substrates, it's also recyclable.

PURAC® Sanilac for veterinary hygiene

Our PURAC® Sanilac works as an effective sanitizing ingredient that helps create cleaner, safer, healthier veterinary environments for animals and the people who work around them. It is proven to be particularly effective against gram-positive bacteria and many enveloped viruses, while being safe and non-toxic for both animals and humans.  Discover more about this new application in here.

Sustainable preservation

In addition to the eco-friendly antimicrobial and antiviral agents, additives, and solvents in our portfolio, we've developed a range of biobased preservatives that can replace traditional fossil fuel-based chemicals in cleaning products. To learn more, visit our sustainable preservation page. Contact a member of our team to discuss how Corbion can help make your cleaners greener, or request a free sample today.