Arkema and Chemeq to co-manufacture antimicrobial polymer

By Simon Pitman

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Bacteria

Arkema and Australian chemicals supplier Chemeq have signed a manufacturing agreement that will see Arkema supply a new antimicrobial polymer.

Called Cereese, the polymer is being marketed on the strength that it has been manufactured and developed with a sustainable approach, a factor that is proving increasingly popular with eco-conscious consumers and one that falls in line with the manufacturers’ aims to step up the use of renewable raw materials.

The deal means that Chemeq will be able to supply its industrial clients in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, many of whom are based in the Australasian and Asia-Pacific regions.

Extending global reach

This will also help to extend Arkema’s global reach beyond the domestic and Western European markets, which currently represent the mainstay of its business.

Chemeq says that as well as targeting the cosmetics and pharmaceutical markets, it also aims to market the technology in a range of other industrial and medical applications.

Antimicrobial polymers are used in a wide range of personal products ranging from soaps to skin care products, to eliminate micro-organisms.

Such polymers can be used either in anti-microbial washes, to disinfect or sterilize the skin and provide anti-microbial protection, or else as a preservative, to deter the proliferation of microbes and prevent the spoiling of formulations.

Fighting bacterial resistance

This type of antimicrobial polymer is also growing increasing popular as it is known to be particularly strong at tackling the increasing problem of bacterial resistance due the widespread use of biocides and antibiotics.

Cereese is being marketed on the strength that it is non-toxic and therefore safer than many comparable brands on the market, the manufacturers claim, while also having broad spectrum activity against bacteria, viruses and fungi.

Clinical studies have also shown that the polymer has a positive effect in eliminating the bacteria that causes acne as well as the fungus that can lead to outbreaks of dandruff.

Further, the manufacturers claim that because of the size and nature of the molecules in the formula, it is not easily absorbed through the skin, giving it an even more effective property for cosmetic applications.

Related topics Formulation & Science

Related news

Show more