LANXESS has increased the capacity of the microbial active ingredient Preventol CMK by 50%.
In response to the continued high demand for disinfectants for industrial preservation, LANXESS is increasing production capacity for the active ingredient Preventol CMK (chlorocresol) at its Krefeld-Uerdingen, Germany, plant by roughly 50%. The speciality chemicals firm has put up a low-single-digit million euro investment in the expansion, which is expected to be finished in the first quarter of 2022.
Preventol CMK is a recognized active ingredient for disinfection and preservation that LANXESS markets as well as utilizes in its own formulations under the Preventol and Virkon names. Disinfectants in the animal and human industries are a rapidly developing field of use. The African swine fever, avian influenza, and the Corona pandemic, among other things, have all increased demand for these items in recent years.
“With the additional capacities, we remain a reliable partner for our customers and can continue to meet the increased demand for Preventol CMK in the disinfection industry,” said Matthias Arnold, head of the Actives & Disinfection business line at LANXESS’ Material Protection Products business unit. “For disinfectants, we expect sustained high demand even after the Corona pandemic due to an increased hygiene awareness.”
Disinfectants based on Preventol CMK are used in agricultural industries to help control the spread of infections and reduce the use of antibiotics in animal husbandry. Biosecurity is also gaining traction around the world as a result of rising population and meat consumption, resulting in a steady growth in disinfection demand. Disinfectants based on Preventol CMK can be utilized in hospitals, as well as in the household application segment, in the field of human health.
LANXESS is the world’s largest producer of chlorocresol and provides regulatory support for the active ingredient in all major biocide markets, such as in Europe under the Biocidal Products Regulation BPR or in the USA with the Environmental Protection Agency EPA.
Requirements for industrial preservation are becoming more stringent
In the sector of industrial preservation, LANXESS anticipates considerable market growth. Even in highly microbiologically polluted media, LANXESS’ CMK-based Preventol products have a broad and balanced spectrum of activity against molds, bacteria, and yeasts. This makes them appealing for a variety of uses, particularly in the preservation and manufacture of leather.
“Our Preventol CMK-based products meet the stringent regulatory requirements worldwide. The expansion will enable us to satisfy the strong demand for these products also in the future,” said Oliver Kretschik, head of the Biocides business line at the Material Protection Products business unit.
Preventol products based on CMK can be used to replace formaldehyde-containing materials in the building industry. They meet both high technical criteria and rising industry standards in terms of sustainability and toxicity in the leather sector.
