Stringent hygiene regulations in the dairy and agriculture industries have contributed to a peak in demand for one of the most effective disinfectant products on the market.
Peracetic acid (PAA), a highly effective biocide, is experiencing escalating demand throughout Europe, attributed to the growing demands of adhering to ever-increasing legislation directed at agriculture and dairy.
Specialist chemical company, Airedale Chemical, has recorded unprecedented sales figures of the biocide citing dairy and agriculture as its biggest market, with almost one third of its products distributed to suppliers in this sector.
The European PAA market, with a consumption currently of 70,000 tonnes, is set to grow globally to £798 million and £260 million in Europe by 2027.
Airedale Chemical’s own sales figures reflect this surge in demand with volume of PAA output increasing by 50% in the last three years.

PAA is frequently used as a sanitiser and disinfectant in milking parlours, processing areas, routine cleaning, livestock transport vehicles and animal gathering areas.
Following the introduction of the EU Biocides Products Regulation (BPR) which stipulates that chemicals such as disinfectants, pest control products and preservatives must be approved by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), Airedale Chemical was approved for the manufacture of PAA last year.
The legislation aims to ensure the greatest protection of people and the environment from the use of biocides and to improve how the biocidal market operates within the EU.
Airedale Chemical managing director, Chris Chadwick, comments: “Peracetic acid is such a versatile product we’re not surprised that it is fast-becoming the first choice for farmers wanting to maintain meticulously clean premises.
“It effectively disinfects but is also easily rinsed away without leaving any residue. It’s gentle on the environment and won’t corrode equipment.
“We’ve invested greatly in ensuring we’re keeping up with changing regulations, particularly with this sector being so important to us. Firstly, we made sure our Airocide PAAD products were approved by DEFRA for the transportation of livestock, animal gathering areas and routine cleaning. Now we are one of only a few British-based supplier of PAA approved by the ECHA.
“We understand how difficult it can be for businesses to keep on top of evolving legislation so have developed a range of chemicals that dairies and farms can rely on without having to worry about keeping on the right side of EU law.”
To find out more about Airedale Chemical’s BPR and DEFRA approved cleaning products,
visit http://www.airedalechemical.com/sectors/dairy-farming/