IMA Polska supports the HandsUpForEthanol initiative in defence of ethanol in biocidal products
As an ethanol producer, IMA Poland joins a joint call by European organisations and companies to preserve access to ethanol in biocides. The HandsUpForEthanol initiative brings together key market players, including ePURE, A.I.S.E., Unilever and Reckitt, who are collectively opposing the planned regulatory changes in the European Union.
Threats to ethanol in the European Union
The reclassification of ethanol as a CMR 1A substance (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction category 1A) is currently under consideration in the European Union. In practice, such a change could mean severe restrictions or even a complete ban on ethanol-based disinfectants. This would affect both consumer products and formulations used in key economic sectors.
Industries particularly vulnerable to the effects of potential reclassification are primarily healthcare, the HoReCa sector (hotels, restaurants, catering) and the wider industry. Restricting access to proven disinfectants would pose a serious challenge to maintaining hygiene standards in these areas.
Ethanol as a proven ingredient in disinfectants
Ethanol is a substance of proven efficacy and safety in use. It has been a key ingredient in hand disinfectant gels, surface disinfectants and medical antiseptics for decades. Its biocidal properties are widely documented in the scientific literature and ethanol-based products meet stringent safety standards.
Bioethanol produced by IMA Polska is used in many industries, including the production of biocides. As a responsible ethanol producer We are actively involved in efforts to maintain access to this substance in public health products.
The scale of the nosocomial infection problem in Europe
Epidemiological data clearly demonstrate the key role of disinfectants in infection prevention. More than 3.5 million healthcare-associated infections are reported annually in the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area. Of these, around 90 000 cases result in the death of the patient.
Restricting access to ethanol in biocidal products would pose a real threat to patient safety and public health. Ethanol-based disinfectants are an essential tool in the fight against the spread of pathogens in medical facilities, catering establishments and in the daily lives of consumers.
Appeal to national authorities and the European Commission
IMA Poland, together with the partners of the HandsUpForEthanol initiative, is calling on the national authorities of Member States and the European Commission to halt the reclassification of ethanol. Maintaining widespread access to ethanol in biocidal products is essential to maintaining high standards of hygiene and protecting public health across Europe.
The joint position of European industry organisations and global corporations shows how important this issue is for the entire sector. Companies such as Unilever and Reckitt, the market leaders in hygiene products, are unequivocally in favour of maintaining the current ethanol regulations.
IMA Poland's commitment to public health
As a Polish ethanol producer, IMA Polska has been supplying high-quality products for various industries. Our commitment to the HandsUpForEthanol initiative stems from our belief that ethanol plays an irreplaceable role in protecting public health. We support efforts to maintain rational and science-based regulation of biocidal substances.
We encourage all stakeholders to read the arguments put forward by the HandsUpForEthanol coalition. For more information on our activities and offerings, please visit the services. If you have any questions about our position or cooperation, please feel free to contact us at contact with our team.