Marco Panetta, Chiara Mantovani – SAFIC-ALCAN ITALIA
Miguel Angel Sanchez, Marta Sacristaan Benito – TOLSA
CIT (Chloromethyl-isothiazolinone), MIT (Methylisothiazolinone) and BIT (Benzisothiazolinone) belong to the isothiazolinone family, a class of biocides widely used as preservatives in numerous water-based products, including paints, adhesives, detergents and cosmetics. Their application is driven by their high efficacy against bacteria, molds, and algae, even at low concentrations. However, the use of these substances is raising increasing health and regulatory concerns due to their toxicity and allergenic potential.
In recent years, MIT and CIT have been recognized as strong skin sensitizers, responsible for a significant rise in cases of allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in both professional and domestic environments. Exposure can occur during paint application or through simple contact with treated surfaces. The CIT/MIT combination, in particular, is among the most reactive and is currently subject to strict restrictions imposed by the EU.
Although BIT is considered less aggressive from a dermatological perspective compared to MIT and CIT, it is not without risks. This compound can also cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, especially in poorly ventilated areas or in cases of prolonged exposure.
From a regulatory standpoint, the use of these preservatives is increasingly controlled, with defined concentration limits and mandatory labeling to warn about allergy risks.
Nevertheless, they remain common in water-based paints, making responsible use and appropriate protective measures essential, particularly for professional users and sensitized individuals.
Therefore, while CIT, MIT and BIT ensure the microbiological stability of waterbased paints, they also pose a real threat to human health and must be carefully managed in light of toxicological evidence and current regulations.
This scenario has driven the search for safer alternatives, though effective options remain limited. The functional additives Business Unit of TOLSA, which has been offering its range of antimicrobial additives – Adins® Protection – on the European and international markets for years, now introduces its inorganic alternative to organic in-can preservatives.
Adins® Protection N4 is an innovative antimicrobial additive that acts as an effective in-can preservative, preventing microbial degradation during storage and ensuring product quality both before and after application. The proprietary Adins encapsulation technology enables the incorporation of various active substances into a silicate matrix, resulting in a uniform distribution and high active surface area. This translates into outstanding antimicrobial performance at extremely low dosages.
The product is a white powder, chemically inert within formulations, and does not alter color, making it suitable for transparent products without affecting surface gloss. Additionally, it provides a mild thickening effect and full in-can and dryfilm antibacterial protection for water-based products, eliminating the need for organic preservatives.
Benefits of Adins® Protection N4
Moreover, TOLSA offers companies the opportunity to evaluate the performance of Adins® Protection N4 in their own formulations free of charge, in accordance with ASTM D2574-16 (Resistance of Emulsion Paints in the Can to Microorganism Attack).
The full range of antimicrobial additives available in Europe includes:
TOLSA is a Spanish multinational employing 800 people across 14 mines and 15 production sites. The company has a strong international focus and is a global leader in the extraction, processing, and commercialization of minerals. Safic-Alcan is the exclusive partner selected by the Spanish company for the development of this additive series market in Italy.
The company is a Paris-based French distributor of specialty chemicals. The company develops and supplies a wide range of polymers, materials, and additives for the rubber, coatings, adhesives, thermoplastics, polyurethane, lubricants, detergents, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. With a network of 42 locations strategically positioned across Europe, the Middle East, North America, Asia, and South Africa, the company represents cutting-edge manufacturers worldwide.
Its highly specialized technical sales team allows Safic-Alcan to deliver expert technical support and high-performance solutions, building long-term partnerships with most customers and principals. Safic-Alcan employs 800 people globally and generated a turnover of €905 million in 2024.
