Pandemic pushes Noble towards plant-based protection formula
Antimicrobial solutions provider Noble Biomaterials has secured formal registration with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its latest product, Ionic+ Botanical.
The product uses a bio-base citric acid formula to inhibit the growth of microbes and reduce odour on fabric and other soft surfaces.
Noble Biomaterials began development of the formula in 2021 and filed for EPA registration as part of the development process. Registering the citric acid-based active formula allows Noble’s licensed partners to claim antimicrobial benefits such as ‘odour control’ and surface protection for various performance fabric applications.
Citric acid is a commonly used product in food, beverages and many other applications, but Noble Biomaterials said securing registration of its formula with the EPA allows it to bring citric acid “into a whole new arena, the protection of textiles and other manufactured materials”.
It said it viewed the development as part of the growing interest in plant-based solutions and increasing demand for high-performance, sustainable material preservation.
“Sometimes innovative solutions are staring you right in the face,” said Joel Furey, founder and chief commercial officer at Noble Biomaterials. “Citric Acid is used for so many things in our everyday lives and during the pandemic we noticed how much citric was used as an antimicrobial and disinfectant agent in various consumer products. This led us to explore its use in fabric applications.”
After significant research and development, he explained, Noble was able to engineer an effective and durable solution for the antimicrobial protection of textiles. EPA registration allows the company to bring it to market now.
Before manufacturers can sell products with antimicrobial actives in the US, the EPA must evaluate the products thoroughly to make sure they meet federal safety standards to protect human health and the environment.
