A biological product is a formulation that includes one or more beneficial living microorganisms and is used for a wide variety of environmentally beneficial tasks such as waste treatment, cleaning, and odor control.
Microorganisms (such as bacteria or fungi) are naturally occurring, ubiquitous (found everywhere), and necessary for our environment to function. While there are several pathogenic bacteria that present a public health risk (e.g. MRSA, E. coli, Salmonella, etc.), there are many others that are beneficial and necessary for survival. There are various species of bacteria in and on our bodies, like those that aid in digestion producing vitamins to keep us healthy. This example is the very definition of a symbiotic relationship – beneficial microorganisms thrive off the organics our bodies produce as waste by-products and, in return, the microorganism digestive process provides vital vitamins and nutrients to keep all of us healthy and happy.
Beyond our own bodies, beneficial microorganisms are also hard at work maintaining the critical cycles of life in nature. They break down organic materials (e.g. compost pile), help plants grow and thrive, and some even degrade toxic chemicals. As we have come to understand the great power of, scientists have discovered ways to harness the performance of these beneficial microorganisms to do things like ferment wine, break down man-made waste, and enhance the effectiveness of cleaning and odor control products.
In the cleaning process, microorganisms work continually over time, resulting in longer term effects. Other formulated product components, like surfactants and solvents, that work quickly (1-2 minutes) can be combined with microorganisms to give longer and deep cleaning benefits only detectable after days and weeks of repeated use. Selection of all formulation components must be made carefully though, since not all are compatible with microorganisms. Biological products should only contain microorganisms that are safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
Benefits of using biological cleaning products include:
- Better stain removal
- Waste degradation
- Odor control
- Deep cleaning
- Grease removal
- Drain and grease trap maintenance
- Septic system maintenance
- Increased fabric whiteness
Biological products are an effective and sustainable option for a wide variety of applications and are safe for consumers and the environment.