Reclassification of Zinc Pyrithione

Vink offers numerous alternatives to the newly classified active ingredient Zinc Pyrithione (INN) (Image: ©stock.adobe.com/Alexstar)

Zinc Pyrithione (INN, CAS No. 13463-41-7), the zinc salt of pyrithione (pyridin-2-thiol-1-oxide), has recently been re-evaluated and reclassified within the framework of active substance authorization. The process of approval and re-evaluation of so-called old active substances (active substances that were already on the market before September 1, 2000) has been driving the entire European market for technical biocides for years. This will continue in the coming years until approximately 2024. Vink Chemicals monitors this legislation very closely and has various formulations in its portfolio that are perfect alternatives to products containing zinc pyrithione.

The 15th ATP (Adaptation to Technical and Scientific Progress) of the EU CLP Regulation was published in August 2020 and includes a reclassification of zinc pyrithione. This relates to reproductive toxicity category 1B. The new classification becomes mandatory after a transition period starting from March 1, 2022. Since compliance is not immediately required, labeling and packaging of substances and mixtures can be adjusted, and existing stocks that already comply with the current legal requirements can be sold.

Check alternatives in time

Vink Chemicals offers numerous alternatives to products containing zinc pyrithione with grotan®BA21, Vinkocide®CMIK10, parmetol®PSG, and other products, some of which are approved for indirect contact with food. In particular, the active ingredients of parmetol®PSG are exclusively based on natural-identical substances that are also approved for contact with food. parmetol®PSG is formaldehyde-free, free of organic halogens, and free of sensitizing substances – notably, it contains no isothiazolinones. This means that parmetol®PSG meets the requirements of common environmental labels and Ecocert, and therefore does not trigger warnings on the final product.

According to the Biocidal Products Regulation, a biocidal product may not be authorized for placing on the market for use by the general public if the product itself is classified as a reproductive toxicant of category 1A or 1B. The new classification of zinc pyrithione will lead to mixtures being classified as reproductive toxicant category 1B if they contain ≥ 0.3% zinc pyrithione. Vink Chemicals therefore recommends that all users check their applications in advance and, if necessary, test and switch to alternative products.

The experts at Vink Chemicals are always available for consultations on selecting the future preservation system.