Disinfection products

Applications of chemical raw materials in the production of disinfectants

Chemical raw materials for the production of disinfectants have a very wide range of uses. These include both ready-made mixtures and semi-finished ingredients. Preparations of this type are used, among other things, for:

• disinfecting surfaces that come into contact with food – equipment, production lines, tables, floors and tools to prevent microbiological contamination in food processing plants,
• hygienic disinfection of hands and skin – in workplaces where high biological cleanliness is required,
• disinfecting rooms and equipment – in hospitals, schools, industrial plants and public spaces,
• disinfection of water – drinking or process water in food and livestock facilities,
• disinfection of veterinary equipment and tools, as well as items that come into contact with animal feed and food.

Depending on the type of application, the appropriate category of agents is selected, which differ in chemical composition and activity against specific groups of microorganisms.

Types of raw materials used in the production of disinfectants

1. Active disinfecting substances

Active components are responsible for the main biocidal effect of preparations – their ability to eliminate bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa.

The PCC range includes PCC Greenline® Chlorine, which is one of the most effective broad-spectrum agents. It has virucidal, fungicidal and bactericidal properties, which means that products based on it can be used to disinfect surfaces and equipment in food processing plants, water systems and sanitary facilities.

PCC Greenline® 50% Sodium Hydroxide Aqueous Solution is used in the production of disinfectants, mainly for the agricultural industry, and is a key component in the cleaning of milking equipment, cold stores, and transport and storage tanks.

2. Ready-made mixtures

Many of the preparations offered in the PCC Group’s catalogue are ready-made products based on active substances such as alcohols or chlorates, designed for specific applications. The most common are:

• liquids for hygienic disinfection of hands and surfaces, e.g. PCC PROFESSIONAL ANTI-VIRUS Liquid for hygienic disinfection of hands, surfaces and equipment based on 70% ethyl alcohol, recommended for disinfecting hands, equipment and various surfaces in domestic and institutional settings,
• disinfectants with sodium hypochlorite, e.g. ROKO PROFESSIONAL® CHLORINE Liquid for disinfecting rooms, surfaces and equipment, or Rokopol Anti Virus X Disinfectant, combining cleaning and biocidal properties thanks to its active ingredient in the form of chlorides. Used in the disinfection of food contact equipment, air conditioning systems, water tanks, CIP systems,
• Mixtures of sodium hypochlorite and phosphonates, e.g. Rokopol Anti Virus Disinfectant with virucidal, bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They are often used to disinfect hard surfaces, industrial installations and equipment, and public places.

Such mixtures facilitate production because they already contain balanced proportions of active and auxiliary ingredients, which shortens the formulation and testing stage.

3. Auxiliary substances

Well-chosen chemical raw materials ensure that the disinfectant remains effective even in harsh industrial conditions. In addition to active ingredients, disinfectants also contain auxiliary raw materials, such as:

• surfactants – improving the distribution and wetting of the disinfected material,
• solvents and carriers – facilitating the application of the active substance,
• stabilisers – protecting the active ingredients from degradation during storage.

Benefits, safety and compliance with European standards and regulations

Biocidal products, including disinfectants, are classified as biocidal products, which means that their use is regulated by EU legislation. Active substances and ready-to-use mixtures are required to have appropriate marketing and use authorisations and to be assessed for safety of use.

Safety is also linked to the appropriate selection of auxiliary raw materials and carriers, which should not be irritating or toxic, and their doses in finished preparations must be controlled.

By using high-quality chemical raw materials in the production of disinfectants, it is possible to design preparations that not only effectively combat microorganisms, but also meet strict standards and market expectations – in industrial plants, public institutions and households alike.