Methyl isothiazolinone (MIT) is restricted, or it may trigger an “earthquake” in the coatings industry

The coating industry, which has been affected by environmental protection, showed signs of “cold winter” when the use of methylisothiazolinone (MIT) was restricted. Among them, many people in the industry worry that the restriction of methyl isothiazolinone (MIT) will cause a wave of price increases in the coating industry, and affected by the price of raw materials. Coatings raw material prices have risen in response, triggering a wave of price increases throughout the coatings industry.
It is understood that methyl isothiazolinone (MIT) is the most commonly used active ingredient, which can be used as a fungicide and antibacterial substance in paints and coatings. It is added to many water-based paints, which can inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, molds and molds to prevent microbial contamination and adverse consequences, such as viscosity changes, gas formation, The pH changes and even produces an unpleasant smell. Over the past ten years, MIT has been an essential biocidal active ingredient in all anti-corrosion systems, and has replaced formaldehyde release agents in consumer products.
MIT is classified as a skin sensitizer and its use is greatly restricted
Before October 2018, MIT was not specifically included in the category of industrial use in Appendix VI of the Classification, Labeling and Packaging (CLP) Regulations. The skin sensitization limit applicable to its self-categorization is the general concentration limit of 0.1% (1000 ppm), but there is no need to label the final product, because the usual dose of MIT is much lower than this limit.
The data submitted in the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) file supports the MIT Specific Concentration Limit (SCL) ≥600 ppm (for skin sensitization), but the 13th ATP (adapted to technological advancement) issued in October 2018 ) MIT is classified as a potent 1A skin sensitizer, with a hazard statement H317 “may cause skin allergic reactions”, and a specific concentration limit (SCL) ≥ 0.0015% (15 ppm) (H317 is related to potential Risk statement related to skin sensitizers. From May 1, 2020, coatings that use MIT as a preservative must be labeled with the GHS 07 symbol and the H317 phrase “may cause skin allergic reactions.”).
This new limit has a fundamental impact on the use of MIT as the active ingredient in the anti-corrosion system. The effective dose of MIT is usually 50-200 ppm. After the adoption of the new specific concentration limit of 15 ppm, starting from May 1, 2020, products that use MIT for corrosion protection must be compulsory to affix the H317 label.
There is a trial period between the release of the 13th ATP and the mandatory use of the new label. Since the European Commission (EC) issued a new MIT labeling regulation in October 2018, all manufacturers can still label them in accordance with the original requirements by April 30, 2020 at the latest. From May 1, 2020, all MIT-containing products on the market must be labeled in accordance with the new regulations.
Anti-corrosion coatings will undergo “revolutionary” changes in May 2020
With the implementation of the new label restrictions in May 2020, the range of options for anti-corrosion formulas in cans will be greatly reduced. Not only will MIT be affected by the new classification, but also zinc pyrithione, which is also used for coating anticorrosion, will also be affected. Zinc pyrithione will be classified as a 1B reproductive toxicity compound, which will meet the exclusion criteria of BPR and further limit the selection of effective antiseptic ingredients.
Although BPR aims to ensure the safe handling of antimicrobial active ingredients and biocides, it is actually gradually limiting the range of alternatives to preservatives. Suppliers and customers of biocides are facing increasing regulatory pressure and need to work closely together to find preservatives that have sufficient efficacy and comply with new regulatory restrictions. As a basic raw material supplier in the coatings industry, in order to meet the new regulations during this time, help coating companies adjust product formulations to meet market challenges.
According to the editor, the implementation of the new regulations in the past years is not without the impact of the market, new regulations and raw materials, which has triggered a price wave in the coatings industry. A new round of gains is inevitable.

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