Plastics are used in numerous areas such as medicine, food packaging, and the textile industry. However, microorganisms such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria pose a great challenge as they can be harmful to human and animal health and also affect product quality and durability. To combat microbial contamination of plastics, antimicrobial technologies are used, and their use in the EU is regulated by the Biocidal Product Regulation (BPR).
With the introduction of the current Biocidal Product Regulation in 2012, a clear process was defined for a new antimicrobial technology to go through before it can be approved. Furthermore, the regulation stipulated that all commercially available antimicrobial technologies at that time must undergo a review according to the new regulations, i.e. the ECHA Review Programme.
Looking at the current status of this review, it can be assumed that a large portion of the technologies currently available on the market will disappear, for example, technologies based on the release of silver ions.
Driven by various studies, the ECHA has reached the conclusion that silver ions are hazardous to human and animal health as well as the environment. As a result, the limits for the release of silver ions have been set so low that it can be expected that all silver-based technologies will disappear from the market. Consequently, no silver-based technology has passed the review of the ECHA.
The additive AGXX, on the other hand, complies fully with current regulatory requirements. With this additive, manufacturers can be confident that they are using a compliant solution that meets the highest regulatory standards, both today and in the future.
Long-lasting antimicrobial effect
In contrast to conventional antimicrobial technologies, the mode of action of AGXX is based on a catalytic reaction with humidity and oxygen, instead of the release of harmful substances, such as metal ions.
This antimicrobial technology protects surfaces and textiles from pathogens and exhibits long-lasting efficacy against bacteria, viruses, biofilm formation, and multi-resistant microorganisms.
Application areas are diverse
AGXX can be used in various applications to inhibit the growth of microorganisms, ensuring a hygienic environment and long-lasting product quality. It can be incorporated into textiles and polymers in particle form. The wide range of applications includes not only plastics and textiles but also filters and paints & coatings.
Polymer applications that greatly benefit from antimicrobial treatment include, among others, food conveyor belts, wound dressings, mattresses, textiles, films, and many more.
The efficacy of the technology in different materials, especially water-absorbent plastics, has been confirmed through numerous tests conducted by independent microbiological laboratories on various types of polyamides, PU foams, TPU, multilayer films, as well as textile coatings and fibers.
