DS Smith and Touchguard develop coronavirus-resistant antimicrobial packaging range for global launch

09 Dec 2020 --- DS Smith and Touchguard are developing a range of antimicrobial e-commerce cardboard packaging to protect consumers against potentially harmful bacteria. DS Smith is finalizing the technology’s rollout, commercially available at scale in the coming months across its global footprint.

While there is no evidence of COVID-19 transmission from cardboard, Touchguard’s patented technology is reportedly effective against several bacteria and viruses, including enveloped viruses, of which COVID-19 is a member.

“Touchguard coating can be applied across market segments and channels – from e-commerce, to fast-moving consumer goods, retail and shelf-ready packaging, industrial application, and secondary packaging,” Alan Potts, design and innovation director for DS Smith, tells PackagingInsights.

“With our dedicated team of experts, the technical process has been straightforward, as DS Smith already has the necessary equipment to coat its corrugated paper packaging with Touchguard.”

The TouchGuard emulsion coating can be applied either through a nip roller or an analox system, enabling easy implementation.

Hygiene concerns rise
Recent DS Smith surveys identified growing retail and consumer interest in products with hygienic packaging amid pandemic-induced nationwide e-commerce surges and increased shipping box demand.

“As we enter the new normal, hygiene is top of mind for consumers, with 57 percent saying they wash their hands thoroughly after touching e-commerce packaged products,” details Potts.Touchguard coating can be applied across e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods, shelf-ready packaging and more.

“While there has been no evidence of virus transfer from cardboard, DS Smith’s exclusive partnership with Touchguard will further build consumers’ confidence around handling packaging.”

“Importantly, TouchGuard technology maintains the sustainability of the product and is 100 percent recyclable.”

Feline coronavirus tests
The product has not been tested on COVID-19 yet but on feline coronavirus, part of the same virus family as COVID-19, in which its outermost layer and spikes attach and replicate to host cells.

Touchguard disrupts the envelope to prevent the virus from replicating, effectively mitigating the risk of person-to-person transfer.

The antimicrobial technology has a proven kill rate of 99.5 percent in under 15 minutes on bacteria types and enveloped viruses and eliminates the risk of person-to-person transfer of infections, such as MRSA and E. coli.

“While it can never replace good hygiene best practices and procedures, this 100 percent recyclable technology has the potential to bring a real and proven additional layer of protection to our customers and their consumers as packaging moves through the supply chain,” reiterates Melanie Galloway, vice president of sales, marketing, and innovation for packaging at DS Smith North America.

DS Smith says it is looking to use the technology across its North American and European operations as shoppers flock online for holiday shopping.

Scaling up a patented technology
Julian Dugdale, the inventor and CEO of UK-based Touchguard, explains how the DS Smith partnership enables his company to market its technology at scale around the world.

“With DS Smith’s manufacturing reach across Europe and the US, and an extensive e-commerce and fast-moving consumer goods customer base, we will be able to offer a range of solutions to support changing consumer habits.”DS Smith is finalizing the technology’s rollout, commercially available at scale in the coming months across its global footprint.

The new range promises to support the sustainable packaging market with potential scope across various areas, including e-commerce and food packaging, while still being 100 percent recyclable.

The Touchguard coating and packaging will hold certification to AATCC100 (MOD), ISO18184:2019 (MOD) and complies with BfR36 recommendations for food-contact materials, the partnership confirms.

As part of its recently launched “Now and Next Sustainability Strategy,” DS Smith has committed to “closing the loop” through better design.

The British multinational packaging business aims to manufacture 100 percent reusable or recyclable packaging by 2023.

DS Smith in the news
In other DS Smith news, US-based Brrr Box developed a recyclable, biodegradable convenience cooler under the same name using DS Smith’s Greencoat plastic foam replacement packaging this month.

The supplier also teamed with TemperPack in November, developing a recyclable, expanded polystyrene foam-replacement packaging solution for temperature-sensitive deliveries.

In October, DS Smith developed a carbon emission-slashing home delivery box – called Direct Box – with Belgian supermarket Delhaize.

Also in October, DS Smith adopted Hanhaa’s ParceLive packaging tracking device in shipments after securing the IoT innovator as a channel partner. The technology provides traceable parcel delivery satisfaction to end-receivers with a postcard-size tracker.

PackagingInsights recently explored DS Smith’s eco-friendly e-commerce packaging portfolio ahead of this year’s Black Friday sales.

By Joshua Poole