MCEC NEWSLETTER – JULY 2018
Dear readers,
Welcome to another bi-annual Microbial Control Executive Council (MCEC) newsletter, and thank you for showing interest in microbial control technologies and the impact they have on our daily lives. Since our last update, the MCEC has been hard at work attending events and engaging with key stakeholders about the benefits of microbial control technologies. Of note, the MCEC attended events on biocides in construction in Kassel, Germany, and more recently attended the American Coatings Show. These events presented the MCEC with a great opportunity to showcase the importance of biocides among industry leaders, but also among trade media outlets. As a result of MCEC’s attendance, we expect to receive media exposure in the coming weeks – so watch this space!
Looking to the next few months, the MCEC will be attending the European Coatings Technology Forum in Berlin from the 17-18 of October 2018, where I will be presenting the MCEC’s aim to promote benefits of microbial control technologies in the context of façade coatings of the future. In addition to this, MCEC members, BASF and Lonza, will be attending the SEPAWA Congress in October to discuss microbial control in detergents. These are both promising opportunities for the MCEC and will no doubt be a success for the organisation.
All new content on MCEC will be posted on our LinkedIn page and website. If you do not already follow us on LinkedIn, please do so to stay up to date on all our exciting activities.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Schäfer, MCEC Chairman
MCEC LATEST UPDATES
Since our last newsletter much has changed in the world of microbial control. The European Parliament recently approved its revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). The revised text encourages long-term national renovation strategies to become energy efficient and endeavors to achieve a decarbonised building stock by 2050. Importantly for MCEC, the revision recognises the essential role of the renovation of building stock to improve living standards across the European Union. Issues such as a healthy indoor climate and durable construction products are considered in the directive. The agreed revision strengthens long-term national renovation strategies and requires Member States to identify how renovation strategies “contribute to achieving the Union’s energy efficiency target” as defined in the Energy Efficiency Directive. Biocides can play a crucial role in helping the European Union meet the challenges set out by the revised EPBD.
Antimicrobial technologies have multiple applications in the construction sector. The indoor air quality of a building (IAQ) as well as the durability and sustainability of construction products are directly influenced by the correct use of antimicrobials in reducing harmful organisms. Microbial control products preserve materials used in construction, e.g. a wood coating is applied to the surface of the wood structure (beams, ceiling panels etc.) to protect them from deterioration. Without the dry-film preservatives present in paint, the coating applied to surfaces would lack the ability to protect itself and would be subject to attack by fungi, algae and lichens. Thanks to modern antimicrobial technology, finished coatings last longer than ever before, meaning a reduced need for renovation and the use of extra resources.
The invaluable properties provided by antimicrobial technologies can help the EU achieve its energy efficiency and sustainability goals, as outlined in the revised text of the EPBD. Microbial control solutions like wood preservatives contribute to a sustainable building stock by prolonging the working life of treated wood. The wood used in the construction process lasts much longer, meaning fewer trees are felled, allowing for the more responsible use and management of our natural resources. Timber treated with preservatives can also last many years, even when subject to the rigors of harsh climates and extensive use. The longevity and durability of products have become especially important to the aims of the revised EPBD, as the extended lifespan of building materials means fewer natural resources need to be used for the refurbishment or renewal of buildings. This means antimicrobial technologies can help the EU reduce its dependence on natural resources, and help achieve a greener economy.
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