Dow Microbial testing laboratory opens in Melbourne

The Dow Microbial Control Customer Application Center (CAC) has opened in Altona, Melbourne, allowing customers in Australia and New Zealand access to state-of-the-art testing laboratories and innovative formulations, in line with local regulatory requirements.

The Dow Microbial Control Academy  has also conducted its first training courses in Australia, focused on the latest technologies and trends in microbial control. 60 customers, from industries such as paint and coatings as well as gas and oil, attended the launch and gained insights into microbial solutions specific to the Asia-Pacific region.

As an ever-developing industry, the global biocides and specialty chemicals industries are growing at an average of 10-15%, with Australia and New Zealand experiencing growth rates in these key areas of about 8% year-on-year. In particular, shale gas is one new area of business that is expected to drive the market in the next five years as Australia prepares to harness this untapped natural gas resource.

“With new energy sources, an area that deals with complex microbial challenges, becoming increasingly important in Australia, we feel this is a timely opportunity to launch the centre in Melbourne,” said Mark Henning, Global General Manager for Dow Microbial Control.

The facility offers on-site Dow Microbial Control application experts, who have regional experience in developing antimicrobial solutions for products and systems. Also, the academy headquartered in Singapore serves as a key resource for customers in the Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand region. The academy is designed to provide customers with access to educational opportunities, regulatory support, technical expertise and R&D tools to attain the best solution to specific microbial control challenges that can result in further efficiencies and cost savings.

The facility features state-of-the-art laboratories, containing dedicated application and testing laboratories, which are staffed with industry experts and equipment to explore new and innovative formulations.

Dow Microbial Control, a combination of two dominant biocide companies Dow Biocides and Rohm and Haas Advanced Materials, addresses microbial control across markets including gas and oil, industrial water treatment, marine antifouling, personal care, animal biosecurity, and paint and coatings.