Reduce viral cross-contamination risk on plastic surfaces with SUKANO^_® Antiviral Masterbatches

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for a safe environment where surfaces play no role in transmitting a virus remains as important as ever. This is especially the case in the healthcare area, where there is a preference for medical devices made of disposable materials to help prevent infection. In response, Sukano has developed Antiviral Masterbatches for PLA, PET and PA polymer applications.

SUKANO^® Antimicrobial/Antiviral Masterbatches for medical applications are designed to protect surfaces from acting as a transmitter. The benefit and protection demonstrated extends beyond medical devices, to other surfaces in the medical environment such as furniture, door handles, light switches, PPE, textiles and more.

To further support safety and hygiene of its products for use in healthcare, the effectiveness of the Sukano Antiviral Masterbatch for PET, PLA, PA and PP was tested in a specialized in microbiological certified external laboratory against SARS-Cov-2 and Influenza H1N1. The tests were conducted according to ISO 18184:2019 and ISO 21702:2019

The results showed up to a 99% reduction of SARS-Cov-2 on a fabric sample within 30 minutes and a 99.9% reduction within 2 hours. For Influenza H1N1, a reduction of 99.99% on a coex film and a fabric sample was confirmed after 30 minutes. These outcomes confirm the deactivation of the viruses and provide trust and confidence when using SUKANO® high performance antiviral additive masterbatch in medical applications.

Sukano’s Antiviral Masterbatches work by directly integrating an antiviral additive into the polymer, using proprietary formulation and technology. The Antiviral Masterbatch is extremely efficient, and this powerful technology remains present and effective throughout the lifetime of the product. The additive is consistently active on the surface of the product, without being released into the environment.

Plastics play an essential role in providing, protecting, and delivering high-quality products in the healthcare field, with several advantages over other materials historically used in these applications. Parts made of plastics are easily reproduced, versatile, have tunable properties and can be biodegradable. Plastic also offers flexibility in design allowing devices to be manufactured with intricate geometry, textures and unique aesthetic appeals.

Moreover, plastic is lightweight, thus enhancing the comfort level of devices and tools for the end user, for example by minimizing fatigue during surgeries.

From a sustainability perspective, single-use plastic instruments are the preferred option versus metals. Plastics instruments mass production offers minimal scrap in comparison to similar parts manufactured using metal and need a lot lower heating temperature to be produced. These are just two facts that help companies step towards achieving net-zero CO2 equivalent emission.

Even better is the replacement of metal by bioplastics – plastics that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both. Bioplastics have the same or similar properties as conventional plastics, but offer benefits such as additional waste management options, like organic recycling.

The active ingredient used in Sukano’s Antiviral Masterbatches is a registered preservative in the EU, Switzerland and USA. However, to claim antiviral effect and promote this in the final product, producers using Sukano’s Antiviral Masterbatches must test their final article, have the results confirmed by a specialized external laboratory, and must comply with local legal regulations.

Sukano is a global specialist for additive and color Masterbatches in PET, biodegradable and specialty resins for over 30 years. Sukano draws from its global knowledge base while providing local support to ensure the material availability, efficient manufacturing, biocompatibility, and consistency required in healthcare. The company works according to globally standardized manufacturing procedures and controls. This ensures that our customers can have peace of mind when working with our experts and using our masterbatches and compounds for their end applications.

Sukano offers a wide range of colors to allow fast recognition of the end article and a full additive masterbatch portfolio for polymer modifications according to process needs.

The company aims for a collaborative and strong customer relationship to truly understand and meet customers’ needs. The goal is to become the partner of choice for convertors and brand owners by delivering highly specialized and customized solutions.

The company is driven by expertise, and focuses its technical knowledge on developing innovative products and services for conventional polymers and biodegradables that can be used for applications in textiles, packaging, medical, durable goods, building and construction, and industry.

Our business strives to ensure the society can live longer and safer, and continue to evolve and modernize, all while caring for our natural resources, the environment, and local communities. Our products, services and manufacturing practices are assessed to ensure sustainable impact before going to market. Our portfolio is designed to offer alternative end of lives to our customers end applications, and according to their locations.

Headquartered in Switzerland, Sukano is a family-owned business with production facilities strategically located in Europe, the Americas and Asia.

Efficient, safe, consistent, and sustainable! Benefit from Sukano’s expertise and proprietary formulations to reach unprecedented performance levels both during manufacturing and on final product functionality.

Sukano

Website: sukano.com