Peracetic acid, also known as PAA, is a strong oxidising agent and broad-spectrum biocide. It is used as a disinfectant and sanitiser in food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical manufacturing and industrial water treatment. Other applications include equipment sterilisation and bleaching paper, textiles, oils, waxes and starch. The material is a clear, colourless liquid with a pungent odour. Commercial products are aqueous solutions containing peracetic acid, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Packaging formats include 25 kg vented plastic drums, 200 kg plastic drums and 1000 kg IBCs. Use in biocidal products depends on the applicable product authorisation.