Speco Explains: Is Your Antimicrobial Coating Really Sustainable?
Sustainability is the buzzword of today. The idea behind sustainability can seem extremely complicated but it actually comes down to one thing: using resources in ways that do not deplete them or exploit others for their gain.
More consumers and businesses are now paying attention when making decisions that may affect people living thousands of miles away who are impacted by climate change consequences or buying goods produced by socially and environmentally responsible manufacturers.
Here is how you make sure that your antimicrobial coating is sustainable and eco-friendly:
1) Ecotoxicity and Environment Reports
You can check if the manufacturers have certified reports on how their products affect the ecosystem and surrounding manufacturing environment.
2) Waste Classification: Hazardous or Non-hazardous
You can check the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) to identify if the solution is considered Hazardous Waste.
3) Bioaccumulation potential reports
Bioaccumulation is the build-up of chemicals inside living organisms. Examples of bioaccumulation include mercury building up in fish which ends up being a health hazard to humans. An antimicrobial coating should have a low potential to bioaccumulate to be considered a sustainable product.
4) Biodegradability reports
Persistence and degradability reports will show if the ingredients within the antimicrobial coating are expected to be readily biodegradable. A good standard for a biodegradability test should be conducted in accordance with OECD standards. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guidelines are government-backed recommendations on responsible business conducts to encourage sustainable development.
Bonus: Who are the champions of sustainability
B Corporations set the gold standard for good business and inspire a race to the top, creating performance standards and legal structures being used by thousands of other businesses around the world.
Speco is proud to be the 13th B Corporation in Singapore since 2020 and is committed to 10 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals focusing on environmental and social goals.
