Antibacterial innovators develop poultry contamination prevention coating

06 Aug 2020 --- Specialty packaging manufacturer Parkside has launched a packaging solution incorporating an antibacterial coating that reportedly kills 99.9 percent of microorganisms, such as campylobacter in poultry. UK-based Parkside collaborated with high-tech surface protection suppliers Touchguard to develop an antimicrobial technology that inhibits the growth of pathogens through an innovative surface finish. Utilizing silver-based technology, the coating can be applied over lacquer as a water or solvent-based finish. The solution is suitable for a range of packaging formats, including flow wraps, lidding films and pouches.

Antimicrobial packaging – a subset of active packaging that integrates antimicrobials to kill pathogenic microorganisms like foodborne diseases – is a promising technology pushing the boundaries of food safety and preservation. The Touchguard solution is also proven to reduce the growth of MRSA by 99.97 percent and E. coli by 99.96 percent, making it an ideal solution for food packaging.

Cost-effective protection
At Parkside, the Touchguard technology is applied over lacquer during the print finishing process as a component of a specially formulated solvent. As a result, it adds only one penny per square meter to the production process, enabling brands to keep print costs down.Touchguard uses a silver-based technology to protect against meat contaminations.

“Our collaboration with Touchguard has enabled us to create a truly innovative and industry-leading packaging solution that will enable our clients to keep their customers safe,” says Mark Shaw, New Product Development Technical Manager at Parkside.

“The product is ready to go,” Shaw tells PackagingInsights. “We are also working with leading Universities to develop antimicrobial coatings derived from renewable sources.”

Shaw indicates that the biggest challenge in developing the antimicrobial solution was finding the right active ingredient and coating formulation suitable for a wide range of applications, including elevated temperatures.

The solution is low weight and acts like typical lacquers, meaning it has no effect on packaging recyclability, the company confirms.

“This latest packaging development from Parkside and Touchguard in no way replaces the need for careful handwashing,” Shaw points out. “However, it is an innovative solution that can inhibit the spread of cross-contamination on packaging substrates that are not usually subject to any cleaning or infection control procedures.”

Combatting poultry contamination
In other Parkside news, the specialty packaging manufacturer recently developed technically-advanced flexible packaging with built-in antimicrobial technology to reduce bacteria growth on the outer packaging of fresh poultry.

Parkside is thought to be the first flexible packaging company to produce such packaging. The company uses a silver-based additive that can be added into coatings to kill 99.9 percent of microorganisms, such as campylobacter, which is widely recognized as a critical challenge for the poultry packing industry.Parkside created antimicrobial flexible packaging to reduce bacteria growth on fresh poultry.

“The demand for ready-to-eat, fresh and easily prepared food is increasing. Initially, the packaging of these foods was simply to provide protective and barrier functions. However, the growth of bacteria on packaged foodstuffs continues to cause problems regarding consumer food safety and, of course, product quality,” explains Paula Birch, Sales Director at Parkside.

To address this issue, Parkside has designed and developed a range of flexible packaging solutions that incorporate antimicrobial technology to improve pack functionality.

Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK and an increasing concern for the entire food supply chain. Preventing cross-contamination during preparation, processing, packing and distribution is key in reducing the risk to consumers.

“The technology used by Parkside incorporates silver ions into coatings and is aimed specifically at the poultry category and other protein markets where campylobacter is a major issue.”

To date, Parkside’s antimicrobial solution has been incorporated into PET packaging and undergone a series of trials. Independently tested and verified, the products have passed initial trials for indirect and direct food contact.

Parkside is also involved with other antimicrobial projects that have received government funding. The projects involve collaborative work with a range of partners, including leading universities, coating manufacturers and a UK poultry packer to develop natural-based coatings that help kill bacteria.

By Joshua Poole

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