Navigating Regulatory Change and Driving Innovation in Dry Film Biocides

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On 4 September 2025, at the Business Presentations Hub of the Asia Pacific Coatings Show in Bangkok, Dr Roman Grabbe, THOR’s Project and Technical Manager, delivered a talk titled “Navigating Regulatory Change and Driving Innovation in Dry Film Biocides” to regional industry experts. Known for thoughtful technical leadership, Dr Grabbe shared insights that reflect THOR’s commitment to safety, scientific rigour, and innovation.

Regulatory Update: Europe Redefines the Playing Field

The European Union continues to set the pace for global regulatory change. Under the EU Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemical substances and mixtures (CLP) and EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR) frameworks, several long-standing dry film actives are under intense scrutiny:

• Carbendazim: once widely used, but now prohibited in dry film applications as of February 2025.

• Zinc pyrithione: approval withdrawn for key uses, with only narrow derogations under review.

• Diuron: facing non-approval, sparking urgent reformulation and dialogue with customers.

The outcome is clear: compliance and safety are not optional, they are the new baseline. Manufacturers and distributors must evolve, and fast.

Market Shifts: Moving Beyond CMRs

Europe is accelerating away from Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reproductive toxic (CMR) substances. With tighter Specific Concentration Limits (SCL) thresholds and ecolabel schemes such as EU Ecolabel and Blue Angel raising the bar, the message to the market is unambiguous: biocides must be safer, more sustainable, and more responsible. The industry’s challenge is to balance these demands with uncompromising performance.

THOR's Answer: The Next Generation of Dry Film Biocides

THOR has responded decisively. The Acticide® MK series represents a major step forward, solutions formulated without ZPT and/or Diuron, incorporating alternatives such as Terbutryn based and algicide-free options, while reducing in-can biocide content to avoid unnecessary labelling.

These are not just regulatory workarounds; they are purpose-built innovations designed to meet tomorrow’s standards today.

Regional Trends: Southeast Asia Follows Suit

While Europe leads the regulatory charge, Southeast Asia is rapidly aligning. Local markets are adopting EU-inspired changes, accelerating the need for safe, high-performance alternatives that can withstand tropical climates.

Proving Performance: Trials in the Field

One of the highlights of the Bangkok meeting was the showcase of long-term trials conducted in Malaysia’s palm oil estates. Diuron-free products such as Acticide® MKI 2 demonstrated robust, long-term efficacy without triggering ecolabel restrictions.

Similarly, Acticide® LPZ 8 (a Diuron-free solution) passed the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) weathering standards and delivered strong antifungal performance, proving that safety and performance can go hand in hand.

The Competitive Edge: Encapsulation Excellence

Competitor encapsulation technologies were evaluated. Despite strong claims, THOR’s AMME® technology continues to outperform in both retention and real-world efficacy, setting the benchmark for durable dry film preservation.

Real-World Validation: Tested by the Monsoon

Innovation is only as strong as its performance in the field. At THOR’s Mahabaleshwar site in India, products endured relentless monsoon conditions and delivered sustained protection across multiple seasons. The result: coatings that endure, customers that trust, and proof that THOR’s innovations deliver where it matters most.

Conclusion: Regulation as a Catalyst for Innovation

Discussions at the Asia Pacific Coatings Show in Bangkok confirmed what we at THOR know well: regulation is not a barrier, but a catalyst for progress. As Dr Grabbe highlighted, our mission is clear to develop safer, sustainable, and high-performing biocides that meet global standards and safeguard consumer confidence.

With Acticide® innovations and AMME® technology, THOR continues to shape the future of dry film protection, standing at the forefront of safety, science, and sustainability.