ST. PAUL, MN -- Ecolab Inc. has entered into a marketing agreement with DuPont to commercialize new antimicrobial coating technologies for the food and beverage processing industry that will reduce the risk of environmental contamination by enhancing food-facility hygiene. The control of mold and pathogenic bacteria is a significant challenge for the food-processing industry.

"Ecolab is committed to bringing new innovations to customers that help reduce their food safety risks. This new technology provides an industry-leading antimicrobial coating solution that is easily applied and removed from surfaces in the food processing environment," said Thomas W. Handley, Ecolab's President, Global Food and Beverage. "This partnership combines the foundational knowledge of DuPont in coatings and polymer science, and its expertise in engineering solutions and market-driven innovation, with Ecolab's strength in application development, regulatory and customer expertise in the food and beverage processing industry."

Limited-scale market trials are under way in Europe and North America. The parties are currently working with regulatory agencies to obtain additional necessary approvals in the United States, Canada and the European Union.

"DuPont has a long-standing reputation as a leader in developing science-based products that contribute to better, safer, healthier lives for people everywhere," said Gary Spitzer, President for DuPont Chemicals & Fluoroproducts. "Many of our products feature innovative ways of cleaning and disinfecting that provide extended antimicrobial activity," said Spitzer. "Together through this partnership, we will bring additional market-driven innovations to the food and beverage processing industry."