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Global biotechnology company Genesis Biosciences featured the safety, efficacy and regulatory landscape of microbial-based cleaning products in a new webinar aimed at instilling confidence in the home care, industrial and institutional cleaning sectors in Europe.
Microbial-based cleaning products contain live microorganisms, such as Bacillus bacteria, which actively break down dirt and organic matter. When added to surfaces, the microbes germinate and secrete enzymes to break down complex organic matter into simpler molecules they can digest, continuing to work even after cleaning.
Dr Emma Saunders, General Manager of Genesis Biosciences, delivered the webinar to industry professionals across the UK and Europe on 19 March in the event facilitated by Marina Pellegrino, International Product Manager for IMCD Group.
Dr Saunders said: “Microbial-based cleaning products are emerging as an effective alternative to traditional chemical cleaners, representing a new era of sustainable, science-backed hygiene. These products leverage naturally occurring Bacillus strains to provide long-lasting cleaning and odour control, and aid in the prevention of biofilms, black mould, FOG (fats, oils and grease) and nuisance microbes.
“We are at the beginning of an exciting shift in cleaning technology. At Genesis Biosciences, while we’re continuing to drive innovation and researching new Bacillus strains for enhanced cleaning, we’re also actively engaging with regulatory bodies to ensure a balanced framework that fosters both innovation and safety.”
During the webinar, Dr Saunders highlighted that any microbial strain used in cleaning products must be non-pathogenic and not associated with disease in healthy humans, animals or plants as per regulations such as the EU Directive 2000/54/EC, NIH Guidelines in the US and the WHO Risk Group 1 classification.
In the European Union in particular, microbial-based cleaning products are subject to multiple regulatory controls to ensure safety and sustainability including the EU Chemical Strategy for Sustainability, the EU Directive on occupational health risks of biological agents and the EU Detergents Regulation.
The European Union is currently revising the Detergents Regulation to explicitly address microbial-based cleaning products, recognising them as distinct from traditional chemical detergents and marking the shift in regulatory focus on eco-friendly and bio-based cleaning solutions.
Dr Saunders continued: “While the changes to the Detergents Regulation aim to ensure consumer safety, industry stakeholders, including us, are actively advocating for a more flexible and scientifically sound regulation which fosters both consumer safety and market innovation.
“These products represent an exciting step forward in sustainable cleaning technology, offering key environmental benefits and extended cleaning effects for various applications. As we move forward, these products will play a critical role in reshaping the sector with safer, more sustainable and highly effective solutions and it’s important that professionals involved in the manufacture, testing and distribution of these solutions are confident and compliant.”
