SUKANO® PLA Masterbatches now tested and confirmed effective against SARS-Cov-2

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  • The antiviral effect was tested by an external laboratory specialized in microbiological tests against SARS-Cov-2 according to ISO 18184:2019 (fabrics) and ISO 21702:2
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    (film extrusion)
  • Results showed an inactivation of the SARS-Cov-2 virus up to 99.9%
  • Tested on different PLA end applications, including fabrics and films extrusion
  • Sukano’s Masterbatch uses proprietary technology, registered as preservative2

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has helped raise awareness about the importance of hygiene and health all over the world. The demand for a safe environment where surfaces do not play a possible role in transmitting a virus – whether it be in packaging, textiles, industrial or medical applications – has significantly increased. SUKANO® high performance Antiviral Masterbatch is designed to do exactly this: protect surfaces from acting as a transmitter.

This is especially important in the healthcare area, where disposables are increasingly sought to replace reusables, due to their increased safety and reduced risk of contamination, while still aiming to reduce the environmental impact.

Tests confirm outstanding antiviral effect on PLA applications

Biopolymers have become more and more relevant and today play a decisive role not only in packaging applications but also in medical uses. To further support safety and hygiene, Sukano has introduced an Antiviral Masterbatch for PLA applications to the market. This masterbatch helps to eliminate viruses and other microorganisms from surfaces.

The company has now tested the effectiveness of the Masterbatch against SARS-Cov-2 and Influenza H1N1 on PLA, among other polymers, in a specialized in microbiological certified external laboratory. With success – a 99% reduction of SARS-Cov-2 within 30 minutes on the PLA fabric samples and 99.9% reduction within 2 hours. For the Influenza H1N1, a reduction of 99.99% on a coex film was confirmed after 30 minutes.

“We tested against both SARS-Cov-2 and Influenza H1N1, according to ISO 18184:2019 and ISO 21702:2019,” states Michael Kirch, Global Head of R&D for Sukano. “We are delighted with the outcome of the tests and we now have confirmation on the deactivation of the viruses, giving customers additional trust and confidence while
using our high performance additive masterbatch in their application.”

Sukano’s Antiviral Masterbatches work by directly integrating an antiviral additive into the polymer, using proprietary formulation and technology. This then functions as a robust and scientifically proven safety layer that helps prevent viral transmission through product surfaces. Additionally, it helps the environment by reducing waste and energy, saving natural resources.

The Antiviral Masterbatch is extremely efficient, and this powerful technology remains present and effective throughout the life of the product. The additive is consistently active on the surface of the product, without being released into the environment.

Registered preservative

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 the final product, have the results confirmed by a specialized external laboratory, and must comply with local legal regulations.

About Sukano

Sukano is a global leader in the development and production of additive and colour masterbatches for biobased, biodegradable polymers such as PLA and PBS. The company started in 2005 as a pioneer in the field, and today possesses over 15 years of experience. At Sukano, all our products designed for biodegradable plastics come with a compostability letter, outlining its compliance with EN13432; this includes biobased carbon content according to ASTM 6866.

Headquartered in Switzerland, Sukano is a family-owned business with production facilities strategically located in Europe, the Americas and Asia. Providing unparalleled service, knowhow, and quality to its customers worldwide, Sukano is the global partner to develop innovative products and specialized solutions. For more information, visit www.sukano.com.

Sukano is a Gold Partner for the Rethinking Materials Summit in London on May 4-5, 2022.