EPA clears use of Kraton anti-Covid polymer to protect air-travellers

Houston, Texas – The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted an ‘emergency exemption’ allowing the use of Kraton Corp.’s  BiaXam anti-microbial sulphonated block copolymer in specific applications, Kraton has announced.

Utah department of agriculture & food and Minnesota department of agriculture had requested special permission to use Biaxam.

The product was defined as a “pesticide” sulphonated copolymer of benzene, 1-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-4-ethenyl with ethenylbenzene and 2-methyl-1,3-butadiene. 

Specifically, the EPA exemption will allow Delta Air Lines to use BiaXam in specific applications in these states to protect against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, according to Kraton’s 21 April announcement. 

The permit, it explained, covers of the product as a treatment for nonporous, non-food-contact surfaces associated with the interior of aircraft and airports to control the spread of the Covid virus.

Delta kiosks and counters in Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and Minneapolis will be the first to feature the product, with the airline looking to expand its use to other airports pending further regulatory approval.

According to Kraton, BiaXam can provide long-lasting protection in anti-microbial applications and kill up to 99.999% of SARS-CoV2 virus under lab conditions.

A solid, transparent material, the sulphonated block copolymer is stated to offer continued protection for up to 200 days, depending on use, exposure, and cleaning methods.  

The patent-pending polymer technology can be coated on various substrates and surfaces made up of plastic, metal, and glass. It can also be applied as a versatile peel-and-stick film. 

Kraton developed the product as part of its sulphonated polymer range and is currently seeking regulatory approvals for various applications in other jurisdictions, including countries outside of the US. 

BiaXam “is unique due to both its efficacy, durable and residual properties that distinguish it from other technologies that require a more frequent application or treatment," said Kevin Fogarty, Kraton's president, and CEO in the company’s statement.

Image source: Delta archive press release