Siegwerk and Varcotec have entered in a distribution partnership for Varcotec's Lock 3 anti-microbial coating technology in the EMEA region (Europe, Middle East and Africa). The innovative dispersion varnish was developed in cooperation with a company affiliated with the University of Regensburg, Germany. The anti-microbial effectiveness of the coating has already been confirmed by several independent testing institutions.
Reduces Transmission of Bacterial and Viral Infections
The Lock 3 technology helps in avoiding risks of transmitting bacterial and viral infections when products’ printed surfaces (outer packaging, partitions, exercise books, etc.) are handled by multiple people in short time. Lock 3 anti-microbial solutions provide extra security in a multitude of applications by interrupting chains of infection.
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With the integration of Varcotec's innovative product technology, we are adding a unique solution for various applications and packaging industries to our portfolio, thereby once again reinforcing the holistic nature of our offers for the packaging market,” said Hanns Martin Kaiser, vice president paper and board EMEA and liquid food packaging at Siegwerk.
Disinfects Printed Surfaces Under Ambient Lighting Condition
The water-based overprint varnish Lock 3 allows for permanent, independent disinfection of the printed surfaces under ambient room lighting or in open daylight. Lock 3 contains a specially patented substance, taking advantage of the principle of photodynamics: the photocatalyst is activated by visible light and transfers the energy thus absorbing the surrounding oxygen. The process creates so-called singlet oxygen, efficiently killing germs by oxidizing their shells.
Various tests from independent institution have shown that Lock 3 varnishes can kill both bacteria (according to ISO 22196 (mod.) for paper and cardboard) and infectious viral particulates (based on ISO 21702 (mod.)) by more than 99 percent. Additional tests against other virus strains, including three members of the Coronavirus family, are currently in the testing phase.
Odorless and Heavy Metal-free Coating
Lock 3 can be applied to paper and cardboard by all commonly used printing machinery and coating equipment. The first pilot applications on plastic films are already underway, an expansion of the application range is under development and subjected to the required testing. The varnish is currently the only fully effective anti-microbial technology on the market which functions independent of moisture and temperature conditions and remains effective on dry surfaces.
The photodynamic effect is suspended in darkness but reactivated immediately upon renewed exposure to light. The varnish remains effective for up to three years. Lock 3 dispersion varnishes are free from heavy metals, are odorless and does not impact the recycling process of any products or packaging.
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We are very pleased to have gained a leading player in the printing ink and packaging industry such as Siegwerk as our partner, able to integrate our unique and innovative coating technology into a significantly larger and international sales structure, in order to increase the product’s market exposure,” added Jens Frings, managing director of Varcotec.
Source: Siegwerk