In collaboration with Varcotec, Van Genechten Packaging Lock 3, an anti-microbial coating for cardboard packaging. According to the company, it also destroys enveloped viruses of the corona family and can prevent the spread of pathogens by up to 99.99 per cent.
The innovative Coating technology Lock 3 has been successfully tested by independent institutes in accordance with ISO 22196 (mod.) for bacteria and ISO 21702 (mod.) for viruses on dry surfaces such as cardboard packaging with light. The patented, antimicrobial dispersion coating from the company Varcotec kills bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores quickly and permanently.
According to the company, this is a Effective antimicrobial coating, which is unique on the packaging market. It works independently of humidity and temperature and is also permanently effective on dry surfaces. The coating can be easily integrated into printing processesn and is suitable for all consumer goods packaging thanks to its food-safe features. It can be used primarily in the hygiene and medical market, for packaging sensitive products such as baby food, but also for standard packaging such as tea packaging.
The colour-neutral coating is applied as a finish and, in addition to the conventional properties, provides the packaging with the self-disinfecting surface out. Available in clear lacquer or silk matt, the coating is odourless, very durable and Permanently self-disinfecting effect, e.g. also for Reclosure solutions. According to the company, studies have so far shown an effectiveness of up to three years. The innovative coating can now be applied to all standard printing machines in all plants at Van Genechten Packaging.
Surface sterilisation with Lock 3
For printed products with a contamination of less than 1000 germs per 1 cm², a Hygienically clean surface in less than a minute under normal office lighting, a printed product is usually contaminated with an average of 100 - 200 germs per 1 cm². This means that both bacteria and viruses are killed or deactivated and this technology ensures germ-reduced printed matter. Hygiene gaps permanently closed can be realised.
„With Lock 3, we will realise a higher safety standard for packaging in the future, not only for basic products such as pharmaceuticals, but across the entire range of cardboard and paper applications. All areas of supply will benefit from this. Anyone who touches the actual packaging during handling, in the shop and at home, will enjoy a higher level of safety thanks to the self-disinfecting quality of the packaging. We can integrate the Lock 3 application for any interested customer from today.“ Marc Büttgenbach, Chief Commercial Officer Van Genechten Packaging
Any cardboard and paper packaging can be coated with it in the standard production process, now also films, e.g. film windows in cardboard packaging. The new coating is available via normal waste streams Fully recyclable. And, as Van Genechten Packaging points out above all, it has been certified several times as organic and harmless to health and is therefore also suitable for Food packaging. The Lock 3 lacquer replaces the original protective lacquer without changing the known mechanical properties, so that two lacquers do not have to be used.
Proven active principle
Lock 3's mechanisms of action are proven and have been used in areas such as dermatology and ophthalmology for years. Dermatologically tested and used in hospitals, it is both safe, free of nanoparticles and non-toxic. The Coating components are activated, as soon as they are exposed to ambient light (the type of light source is irrelevant) and oxygen. In complete darkness, the process remains dormant, but starts working again as soon as it is exposed to ambient light.
For the function of the dispersion coating Natural photodynamic processes crucial. The activated oxygen then destroys the cells of the microbes - even multi-resistant germs - in a very short time with a success rate of up to 99.99 per cent. The development of resistance (subsequent immunity) of bacteria, viruses and germs to this dynamic oxygen is currently unknown.
All products equipped with Lock 3 can carry a Lock 3 quality seal, which immediately alerts customers and consumers to the anti-microbial properties. The concept is already familiar for magazines, flyers and paper placemats in the catering industry.
Source: Van Genechten Packaging
