An antimicrobial finish on printed matter is a coating or laminate with antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It protects against the growth of microorganisms on the print’s surface so it’s ideal for hygiene-critical settings or industries whose printed materials are frequently touched by a high volume of people. Antimicrobial products are key to our health.

Why is an antimicrobial finish so valuable?
The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 80% of illness-causing germs are transferred by touch alone. Paper and cardboard can be a vehicle for cross-contamination because bacteria move around and survive on surfaces for a long time. Printed matter could be a threat to our health if the right protection isn’t used. Antimicrobial laminates and coatings work 24 hours a day to significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination – prohibiting the growth of microorganisms and preventing the build-up of bacteria for the lifetime of the product. 

How does an antimicrobial finish work?
Celloglas offers two variations – both of which fight against a range of bacteria, including MRSA AND E. coli, and use silver as their key ingredient. Cellomed coatings and laminates feature silver particles on the surface that are ready to act bacteria and immobilise it, draining it of oxygen and destroying the reproductive receptor. Silver (antibacterial and antimicrobial) is hugely effective, perhaps even life-saving.

What are the advantages of an antimicrobial finish?
Aside from the obvious long-lasting protection against a range of bacteria, those that feature silver, like Cellomed, are natural and sustainable. They’re safe for the environment. What’s more, the silver works invisibly and doesn’t in any way alter the look, feel and colour of the print. 

Where is an antimicrobial finish best placed?
Antimicrobial finishes are beneficial for every industry in combatting the spread of bacteria and keeping print readers safe. However, hygiene-critical settings, like hospitals and care homes, and environments that see a lot of traffic, like schools or transport hubs, should seriously consider coating printed materials in this innovative finish. 

Want to find out more about Cellomed antimicrobial finishes? Contact us and we help you incorporate them into your next print project – whichever industry you want to keep safe.