Why biocides are worth using?

Biocides are needed to solve problems in a large number of different environments. Some products are used to protect humans or animals, in other cases, an industrial process needs to be protected. Wherever there is moisture and a potential food source, we will find as well high risk for harmful microorganisms to grow. Hence, many places, processes and products offer ideal conditions for microbial growth and the consequent associated problems.

For these reasons, they can make important contributions to attaint high sustainability standards such as those stablished by the United Nations. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Government by the United Nations outline 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) that define the actions countries should take to work towards sustainability.

As mentioned before, biocides are important to protect humans, animals or materials against harmful organisms. Amongst other uses, they contribute to the protection of humans and animals against infectious diseases e.g. by controlling fungi or harmful bacteria. Therefore, biocides can contribute to reaching SDG 3 (Good health and well-being) or SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation). They also contribute to reaching SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production) by extending the service life of materials and, thus, protecting resources.

Consequently, they are considered as indispensable in modern industrial manufacturing as they extend product life and protect staff and equipment. It is also worth mentioning that biocides reduce the consumption of energy and natural resources as well as the volume of waste. Biocidal products are, thus, of major sociocultural, economic and ecological importance and greatly significant to health.

​