June 15, 2015
Mould inhibitors to be labeled corrosive in EU: Perstorp
From June 2015, the EU will implement the new CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) legislation for chemical mixtures including those of organic acids such as mould inhibitors, according to Swedish organic acid producer, Perstorp.
As a result of this new legislation, most organic acid-based mould inhibitors in the market will be labeled as corrosive. Perstorp cautions end-users and distributors not to postpone researching the impact on the products they are using as well as taking precautions.
The legislation, which began on June 1, is enacted to align the EU with the Global Harmonised System (GHS). As part of the classification process, all products must undergo extensive corrosion, stability and flammability tests. Most products, previously labeled as non-corrosive, are now proven corrosive in a mandatory metal corrosion test. These products must be transported according to the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). The storage of ADR goods requires special storage facilities and permits in most EU member states.
The most affected product group will be ammonium-buffered organic acid products, such as propionic acid mixtures. Most products in the market have been tested with the official corrosion test. "Almost all examined products showed metal corrosion, which would qualify these products as corrosive," Marc Kinjet, Perstorp's product manager for preservation, said.
The consequences of the legislation vary from country to country.
"Perstorp Feed & Food specialises in organic acid solutions for preservation. Therefore, we think it's important to alert farmers and distributors to these important changes" Kinjet added. "Users and re-sellers should take timely precautions or consider switching to an alternative that is non-corrosive even after June 1.
According to Kinjet, there are a few products in the market still classified as non-corrosive. The product manager offers ProSid™ MI 700 as one such alternative. The highly concentrated preservative for grains and other feed crops uses glycerol esters of propionic acid instead of ammonium buffering.
