Taghleef Industries’ Derprosa Antimicrobial films prove effective against COVID-19

19 Apr 2021 --- New research reveals Taghleef Industries’ Derprosa Antibacterial film can eradicate more than 84 percent of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on its surface area after 24 hours, compared to a laminating film without its antimicrobial agent. 

Derprosa Antimicrobial inhibits the proliferation and neutralizes the survival of bacteria and viruses on non-porous surfaces.

“The film was developed ten years ago and intended to be effective against bacteria. We have now also tested its performance against coronavirus and SARS-COV-2,” Raül Cobos, Derprosa marketing and business development manager, tells PackagingInsights.

The US Food and Drug Administration maintains there is “no credible evidence on COVID-19 transmission via food packaging.” The World Health Organization further confirms coronaviruses need a living animal or human host to multiply and survive.

However, Cobos maintains: “Even if all packaging is safe, what happens when it comes in contact with some ‘agents’ or ‘substances’? Our films help keep the surface free from germs.” 

The Derprosa Antimicrobial film label.The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened consumer hygiene concerns, as highlighted in Innova Market Insights’ 2021 fourth top packaging trend “Hygiene Heroics.” 

The past year has seen a rise in touch-free packaging designs and antimicrobial technologies. According to the market researcher’s 2021 consumer survey, 59 percent of global consumers believe packaging’s protective function is more important since the virus outbreak.

Testing the films
The film has previously undergone testing by independent laboratories against the Methicillin-resistant bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia Coli (E-Coli). 

To produce the COVID-19 results, Derprosa Antibacterial was first tested with the feline coronavirus (FCoV) due to the availability and capabilities of independent specialized laboratories. 

Most recently, the film was tested against the human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. In both the feline and the human trials, the performance of Derprosa Antimicrobial films was “outstanding,” says Derprosa.

Name says everything
Derprosa Antimicrobial was renamed from Derprosa Bacterstop – the brand name it was known by since its creation ten years ago – to highlight Bacterstop also has antiviral qualities as well as antibacterial. 

The company was encouraged to test if Bacterstop also delivers antiviral packaging protection as the COVID-19 pandemic brought safety concerns to the fore.

Derprosa Antimicrobial inhibits bacteria and virus proliferation and neutralizes their survival on non-porous surfaces.In late 2020, the company obtained the first affirmative results. “It was then appropriate to change the name to better reflect the advantages and properties of the film,” Derprosa explains. The film, however, maintains the same product codes.

Applications galore
Derprosa Antimicrobial arrives in two variants – glossy and matte – to ensure print integrity and protect those who come in contact with editorial, packaging, or commercial communication pieces in paper support.

There are no restrictions in terms of packaging applications, says Cobos. “It can be used for paper lamination, typical in graphic arts and print shops, but also for flexible packaging and labels.” 

These films provide the same properties, machinability, and technical performance as other traditional films, including wet, thermal, and thermal digital lamination versions. The antimicrobial effect is “long-lasting, odorless, harmless to humans and totally safe,” according to the company.

Hygiene innovation gathers pace
Derprosa Antibacterial films have been commercially available for the past decade. Cobos expects the public’s heightened hygiene concerns to remain relevant in the long-term.

Recent moves in the antimicrobial films scene include EU-funded NanoPack’s films based on a combination of natural nanomaterials and essential oils. Also, Designsake Studio delivered Matter last October, a silver-based antimicrobial coating reducing the presence of harmful bacteria, fungi and viruses by 99 percent.

Meanwhile, Sirane’s Biomaster-integrated insulated bags boast a 99.9 percent defense rate against microbes found in chilled and frozen foods, while ZincIn’s ocean plastic foodservice trays fend off coronavirus by integrating Parx Materials’ antimicrobial coating.

By Anni Schleicher