As the pandemic continues, so does the fight against the spread of viruses in all industries. Institutions, like the College of Marshall Islands (CMI), have acquired and begun applying anti-microbial surface coatings throughout their campuses. As students, educators, and parents return to the classrooms and lecture halls, hygiene remains of great importance. According to GlobalNewswire, the anti-microbial market is set to surpass $30 billion USD by 2030. 

How Effective are These Coatings? 

AggreCoat Silver, the coating chosen by CMI, has been independently tested and shown to be effective at reducing SARS-Cov-2 on the surface by >82% after 6 hours and >95% after 24 hours when compared to a control. That is in addition to it being a reliable coating. It is both environmentally friendly and durable, being able to withstand 12+ years of outdoor exposure. Anti-microbial coatings, like AggreCoat Silver, can be applied to and are effective on most indoor and outdoor surfaces. 

Robert D. Friedman, president of AggreBind Inc., explains: “We consider it the trifecta of coatings, where safety and hygiene are important. It is not a replacement for good housekeeping and good hygiene, AggreCoat Silver gives your surfaces that additional layer of protection.” While not a replacement for general cleanliness, coatings like these can work in conjunction to help stop the spread of bacteria. As new viruses arise and old ones linger, anti-microbial coatings provide an extra line of defense. 

What Enables These Coatings? 

AggreCoat Silver utilizes Polygiene BioMaster™ silver ion technology, a technology that disrupts the cell wall, blocks energy production, and stops DNA replication, inhibiting the growth of bacteria on a surface. This technology can be easily added to any plastic, textile, paper, paint or coating. The application of this technology exceeds beyond the classroom, as bacteria tested include E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. 

The Increasing Demand 

Ulrika Björk, CEO of Polygiene Group adds: “It is ideal for high-traffic public areas, and we see a growing demand for this kind of technologies in public spaces.“ The market reflects the demand, as industries continue to implement this technology. Even outside of the context of a global pandemic, anti-microbial coatings are becoming an in-demand asset in public spaces where bacterial outbreaks occur. 

For more information, visit https://polygiene.com/.