BASA has published position paper 101 to set out why 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, commonly known as BIT, remains an essential in-can preservative for many water-based adhesives, sealants and associated raw materials. It explains that these products are inherently vulnerable to microbiological contamination during manufacture, storage, distribution and use, and that good hygiene and process controls cannot remove the need for effective preservation. BASA argues that BIT is one of the few remaining technically viable options for many formulations and that any assessment of substitution must consider real-world performance, formulation compatibility, commercial availability, supply-chain resilience and wider sustainability impacts.

The paper raises concerns about the proposed identification of BIT as a candidate for substitution under the EU Biocidal Products Regulation, particularly where no suitable and sufficient alternatives have been demonstrated. BASA highlights the potential consequences of losing access to BIT, including product spoilage, reduced shelf life, increased waste, reformulation costs, supply disruption, disproportionate impacts on SMEs and the risk of undermining the sector’s transition from solvent-based to water-based technologies. It calls for a proportionate regulatory approach that preserves access to BIT for essential PT6 uses, supported by appropriate labelling, use conditions and risk-management measures.

BASA Member companies can access the Position Paper here. If you work for a member company and do not yet have access to the BASA Info Hub (Members-only) then drop us an email or ask a colleague with access to add you and get your complementary Members log-in.