Demand for germ-free packaging during the pandemic has resulted in a number of innovations, notably in sleeve, film, and cardboard coatings. As the world remains cautious to the risks presented by packaging generated germ transmission, it’s likely that this vigilance is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
So, in their efforts to alleviate these concerns, packaging manufacturers are in full swing to develop packaging that will protect consumers and supply chain personnel against bacteria. This has included the introduction of varnishes and lacquers to reduce the risk of germ infection, as well as a return for some packaging-free initiatives to fully-wrapped produce once again.
In the coatings world, we have also been working hard to address converters’ and brands’ demands for bacteria-free products. Recently, we have developed a new antibacterial coating, which we believe will help make an important contribution to reducing bacterial transmission on printed packaging surfaces, which, as we know, can face multiple touch points in the supply chain.
The new coating is a unique combination of a laser-active coating, combined with anti-bacterial properties. It offers the same benefits that DataLase customers and converters currently enjoy, but with the added bonus of being antibacterial and able to kill >99.99% of two significant bacteria – E. Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus. Testing was conducted at Industrial Microbiological Services Ltd (IMSL is a leading testing and consultancy service specialising in the microbiology of materials, industrial processes and products), following the world recognised ISO22196 methodology, under the strictest of hygiene conditions.
Antibacterial coatings complement and add to our ever-expanding suite of patented laser-active coding and marking solutions, including colourless to black, white to black, high humidity and Swiss listed.