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Peracetic acid is a fast-acting, fully-biodegradable biocide, sanitiser and antimicrobial. It destroys pathogenic microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, spores and fungi through oxidisation.
PAA breaks down into ecologically harmless components – water, oxygen and acetic acid – making it a popular environmentally-friendly alternative disinfectant. It does not produce any disinfection byproducts (DBPs).
Our peracetic acid is BPR grade, supplied in accordance with Article 95. Its antimicrobial efficacy is approved under EN1276, EN1650, EN13704, EN13697, EN1656, EN14349, EN14476, EN16437. This material is for use with the following product types:
Download our ‘PAA: Routes to Market’ guide for more information on purchase options.
For non-biocidal applications, visit our Airosan page.
• Clean-in-place (CIP): disinfection of process equipment, vessels, pipes, filters and fittings
• Industrial and institutional cleaning (I&I)
• Commercial laundry and textile sanitisation
• Sterilisation of food and beverage raw materials, packaging, bottling lines and contact surfaces
• Sanitisation in poultry, dairy, fish farms, greenhouses and other agricultural settings
• Biosecurity in animal housing, feed and water systems
• Disinfection of hard surfaces and high-risk environments (cleanrooms, laboratories, hospitals)
• Sterilisation of medical devices and equipment
Peracetic acid is manufactured by reacting hydrogen peroxide with acetic acid in the presence of a mineral acid catalyst.
This creates an ‘equilibrium solution’, which is a stable liquid with a typical pH of 1-3, with a concentration between 5-30%. The equilibrium ensures it stays potent and consistent through its shelf life.
For practical use, the solution is precisely diluted using specialised dosing equipment to the exact ppm (parts per million) concentration for its intended disinfection or biocide application.
Concentrated peracetic acid has a shelf life of six months to one year.
After dilution, it begins to degrade into its byproducts: acetic acid, water and oxygen.
Yes, peracetic acid is a fast acting, broad-spectrum biocide and a fully biodegradable disinfectant. It destroys fungi, bacteria, viruses and spores rapidly and effectively, even at low concentrations.
The acid’s cleaning mechanism is oxidation. It disrupts cell walls to kill organisms, making residues easier to remove.
Low concentrations (100-500 ppm) are effective for routine sanitisation, whilst higher concentrations and longer contact times can be suitable for heavy soils or mould growth.
Yes. At high concentrations, peracetic acid can attack metals like iron, galvanised steel, copper, brass, silver and gold.
However, it is generally considered to be safe and compatible for use on stainless steel at recommended dilutions. Avoid over-concentration to prevent pitting or surface damage, and ensure surfaces are properly rinsed or drained.
No, peracetic acid does not dissolve common industrial plastics. It is compatible with PE, PP and PTFE.
There is no difference. Peracetic acid and peroxyacetic acid (the latter name used less frequently) are synonymous and refer to the same chemical compound, CH₃CO₃H.
Peracetic acid is derived from a reaction between acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide, meaning acetic acid can be considered its ‘parent’.
Peracetic acid is essentially acetic acid with an extra oxygen atom, giving it oxidising properties and a number of different applications.
Industrially, peracetic acid is chiefly used as a biocide and disinfectant across many industrial settings. Acetic acid is mainly used as a reagent or solvent to produce other chemicals like vinyl acetate monomer (VAM, used to produce paints).
Both peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide are oxidisers used as cleaning and disinfecting agents. The key difference is speed and potency.
Peracetic acid is a more potent biocide, providing faster sterilisation, particularly at lower concentrations. It is more effective against spores and biofilms and so is the preferred choice for high-level industrial disinfection.
Hydrogen peroxide is typically more appropriate for milder sanitation or use on delicate surfaces.
Both are fully biodegradable, meaning they break down into their harmless component parts.
Our Innovation division is the only UK manufacturer of PAA and one of only 12 members of PAA Europe, the peracetic acid sector group of the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC).
Produced at our state-of-the-art facilities, our PAA is available in a range of strengths and bulk sizes, with quick and secure delivery across the UK and the EU through our privately-owned vehicle fleet.
Please note: We are unable to sell chemicals to members of the public.