Shaping the future of safe and functional hygiene solutions
Supporting the responsible adoption of hypochlorous-acid-based solutions across applications where legacy chemical approaches are no longer fit for purpose.
A neutral, ECHA accredited stakeholder and industry platform connecting science, regulation, and real-world use.
Safety · Regulation · Functionality · Sustainability
Our Mission
Our mission is to support the responsible development and adoption of hypochlorous-acid-based solutions that improve safety, effectiveness, and sustainability across diverse hygiene and functional applications.
Hypochlorous acid is increasingly used beyond traditional disinfection — including skin and wound care, odour control, animal hygiene, food applications, and water systems.
The ECA Industry Association reflects this evolution by supporting science-based, regulated HOCl solutions tailored across diverse hygiene and functional applications where traditional approaches are no longer fit for purpose.
What is driving change in hygiene and functional applications
Across healthcare, personal care, food systems, infrastructure, and water-related applications, traditional chemical practices are increasingly challenged by safety, regulatory, and operational constraints.
The transition toward hypochlorous-acid-based solutions is driven not by chemistry alone, but by improved compatibility with sensitive use, simplified workflows, regulatory alignment, and functional performance tailored to specific applications.
Safer ECA Solutions
Effective, responsible, and sustainable solutions for modern disinfection.
Traditional Disinfectants
Harsh chemicals, high environmental impact, outdated approaches to disinfection.
Established Hygiene Approaches Under Transition Pressure
Move away from complex, hazardous chemicals.
Transition to the natural efficiency of Hypochlorous Acid.
Consider opportunity to phase out these technologies
Disinfection solution
Alcohol
Candidate for substitution Carcinogenic! Explosive. Les/no efficient against virus.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Health risks from contact and ingestion. Possible Skin irritation and burns even with low concentrations
Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC)
– Residue accumulation on treated surfaces
– Environmental persistence in wastewater streams
– Compatibility concerns in sensitive applications
Technologies
Chlorine Dioxide
Issues: Hazardous precursors, explosive risks, residue concerns.
Ozone Systems
Issues: High energy usage, off-gassing safety, short half-life.
UV Irradiation
Issues: Shadowing effects, mercury disposal, high maintenance.
Chlorhexidine
– Residue persistence on skin and surfaces
– Sensitivity or irritation in frequent-use applications
- OBSOLETE METHODS
ECHA EU528/12
Union Approved Biocide
New Alternative
Environmental Superiority
Les harmful, pH neutral, and degrades into simple salt water.
Up to 100x more effective than NaOCl. Reduce bacteria, yeast and virus. Remove biofilms.
Operational Savings (In-situ)
On-site generation removes logistics, storage, and plastic waste.
Minimal or no skin irritation even on sensitive skin.
- FUTURE-PROOF TECH
Two Core Use Models
• On-Site and On-Demand Generation: ECA systems are installed directly at the point of use, allowing fresh production with no bulk disinfection liquid storage.
• Pre-Packaged Bottled Distribution: ECA solutions are bottled for commercial or institutional use across many use cases and markets.
Application Sectors
• Healthcare – disinfection and hygiene
• Food & Beverage – CIP and surface sanitation
• Water Treatment – safe purification
• Public Response – emergency preparedness
• Institutional & Facility Cleaning – safe alternatives
Why It Matters
• Effective – kills pathogens efficiently. Big log reduction on bacterias, virueses, yeast, etc.
• Safe – no special demand for storage (e.g. flamble)
• Compliant – fulfill EU Biocidal Product regulation (BPR) 528/12
• Easy – Easy to use, handle and dose
ECA Industry Association
• Promote safe, science-backed ECA technology
• Engage regulators with credible industry dialogue
• Develop standards, guidance, and collaboration
Become a member today to influence key regulatory decisions affecting your industry and business.
Membership is open to any company working within the ECA industry. Members gain the opportunity to shape best practices, access industry networks, and receive the organization’s support in relevant decision-making processes.
Regulatory Developments
Supporting HOCl as a compliant, sustainable alternative to ethanol in biocides.
HOCl as Strategic Resource
Key role in European civil and defense preparedness.
Green Transition
Enabling energy-efficient, chemical-safe water disinfection.
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