What is Antimicrobial Technology?
Antimicrobial Technology is an additive that protects whatever material it is added too, from microbes and bacteria. Naturally it will also increase the lifespan of a products as it protects it from deteriorating.
If a substance is antimicrobial, it can inhibit the growth of bacteria, mould, fungi and viruses. Antimicrobial products are commonly known, like disinfectant and antibiotics, the lesser-known antimicrobial product is an additive.
There are 4 types of Antimicrobial Additive
- Silver Ion Antimicrobial Additives – is used across a broad spectrum of products such as paints, coatings, textiles and many other types of materials
- Zinc Antimicrobial Additives – an antibacterial and antifungal compound
- Copper Antimicrobial Additives – can also provide antimicrobial protection in preservative and hygienic applications, often used in paints, coatings and polymers.
- Organic Antimicrobial Additives – including phenolic biocides, quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC or QUAT) and fungicides (Thiabendazole)
Antimicrobial v Antibacterial
Antimicrobial Technology is effective against a spectrum of microbes including bacteria, mould, fungi and even viruses. Antibacterial Technology on the other hand is effective only against bacteria.
The Second Line of Defence
Using an antimicrobial product offers lots of benefits:
- Reduces damage from degrading microbes, extending the life of the product
- 24/7 action significantly inhibits the growth of microbes on the surface of the product
- Reduces risk of cross contamination
- Compliments cleaning and infection prevention protocols
- No leaching or wear off effect as the additive is within the product
- Proven to reduce bacteria by up to 99.99%
- Reduces odours and staining
- Does not affect recyclability of product
Even post pandemic, it is easy to see why increasing the use of antimicrobial technology in to every day life would make sense. Researches from The University of Warwick have joined a team to produce antimicrobial grab poles on trains. Reducing cross-contamination, pandemic or not, can only be a good thing.
Flexible solutions
Coated Vinyl
Antibac Wraps and Push Pads
Door handles are some of the highest contact surfaces you will have in our work place or public space. Suitable for most door handle shapes, push pads and highly visible, our Antibac wraps and push pads are a strong visual cue that you take hygiene seriously.
Big format Wraps
Commonly used on nursery radiators or wall graphics in offices, the antimicrobial properties will help prevent general deterioration of these surfaces as well as reduce cross contamination.
Printed Literature
Perfect for frequently handled menu’s, brochures or training materials, many big names are now looking to antimicrobial protection for their corporate print to help protect their staff and customers.
Antimicrobial technology can be added to a product during the manufacturing process. This means the technology is part of the product, it cannot be washed off and lasts the lifetime of the product. This is perfect for everyday items such as mugs, pens, hygiene keys and even clothing. As part of your hygiene process, using antimicrobial promotional products signal well-being and safety is taken seriously.
Whatever you need, Graphic Arts Group have the expert knowledge and solutions for you
Want a chat about our microbial products? You can email hello@graphicartsgroup.co.uk or call us on 024 7667 3415