Swedish industrial group Trelleborg (Trelleborg; www.trelleborg.com) has launched an anti-microbial system for polyurethane materials, which will be available under the brand name “AMV Shield”. The company said the new system can be integrated into polyurethane and recyclable thermoplastic polymers for applications such as handles and grab rails to provide passive anti-microbial protection. The process uses silver particles to embed anti-microbial nano particles into PU materials and offers anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-mold properties, it provides up to 99.9% bacteria and virus reduction, and protects against microbes including MRSA, Influenza A H1N1, VRE, C-Difficile and E. Coli, Trelleborg said.

Terry Cooper, MD for Trelleborg’s applied technologies operation in Retford / UK, said, “Materials made using the new system do not leach into the environment, which means that they will last for over 25 years and can safely be used in food packaging and distribution. It can be for a wide range of applications including packaging and boxes, protective covers and casings or even floor squeegee blades.”

In March 2020, Spanish plastics technology centre Aimplas (Valencia; www.aimplas.es) announced the development of an eco-friendly material with antimicrobial and antifungal properties for use in hospitals (see Plasteurope.com of 24.03.2020); in May 2015, German fibre-reinforced composites manufacturer Lamilux (Rehau; www.lamilux.com) said trials were underway for its antibacterial composite material designed for hospitals and the food industry (see Plasteurope.com of 21.05.2015).