The range of antimicrobial products designed to meet the needs of film, fibre and moulding manufacturers has developed significantly in recent years. These products are benefiting antimicrobial chopping boards, kitchen wear, hosiery, carpets, hospital waste bags and refuse containers among others. Julie Simmons of leading supplier of antimicrobial systems Wells Plastics explains.
The aim of antimicrobial systems in plastic products is to reduce microbe populations both within the material and found at the surface. The growth of micro-organisms on an object can be unsightly, lead to odours and increase the risk of cross contamination with the accompanying possibility of transmitting infections. Reducing odours is an attractive benefit for many applications, such as clothing and waste containers. By helping to keep microbe populations low and so reduce the risk of cross contamination, antimicrobial products can offer hospitals, food manufacturers and consumers extra peace of mind.