Lanxess says “weapon against microbes” meets RSL requirements
23/05/2013
Launched in May 2012, Preventol U-Tec G is a patented combination microbicide that is specially formulated to protect leather during storage and transport.
It is supplied in the form of a highly concentrated, eutectic liquid and only relatively small amounts are required to treat a batch of hides.
“Tests carried out by independent laboratories have confirmed that, in the low concentrations required for this application, the main active ingredients, o-phenylphenol (OPP) and p-chloro-m-cresol (PCMC), are degraded quickly and easily in biological wastewater treatment plants,” said Christopher Tysoe, director of product development for wet end applications in the company’s Leather business unit, in a recent statement. “And residual concentrations of the active ingredients can even be biodegraded in normal water courses.”
Preventol U-Tec G damages the cell membrane of the fungal cells irreversibly without reacting chemically with them, the statement said. Once that has happened, the active ingredient is released again. In other words, it is not used up while it is taking effect and is regenerated to go on and on protecting leather efficiently. And as it is bound to the collagen fibres via hydrogen bridges, it stays in the leather for a long time.
Applying the right preservation agent at the appropriate stage of processing in the right amount can reduce the likelihood of microbes getting a foot hold on the leather later in its useful life, the statement continued.
An independent and certified German institute recently carried out further tests on dermatological safety. Plasters impregnated with various concentrations of OPP and samples of leather treated with Preventol U-Tec G were applied directly to the skin of test persons with widely differing degrees of skin sensitivity. There was no evidence of primary skin irritation or of the product triggering skin reactions, Lanxess said.
“Provided it is used correctly and for the intended purpose, Preventol U-Tec G is a safe and highly effective means of providing leather with long-lasting protection against mold fungi and various types of bacteria. The product not only satisfies the statutory provisions in many countries, but also meets the requirements of the restricted substance lists (RSL) of countless tanneries and processors,” concluded Mr Tysoe.
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