Antimicrobials

Wells Plastics has been involved in antimicrobial masterbatches for many years and has an unsurpassed wealth of technical experience and results in this field. After winning the Lord Stafford Award in 2000 for innovation within the field of antimicrobials, Wells Plastics has developed worldwide sales and applications.

Bactiglas

Bactiglas technology is being successfully used in medical, healthcare and white goods applications with and has FDA, EPA and EFSA food contact registration and approvals.

Wells Plastics’ products have been used in an incredible range of polymers and end applications such as the PE medical tubing and PVC floor tile pictured on the right.

Our product range is the most extensive available on the market place. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.

Application Examples

Injection moulding, film, sheet, foams, fibres, tapes, coatings and many others.

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Antimicrobial Additive Masterbatches and Powder Dispersions

Wells Plastics has been a specialist in the field of antimicrobial additives for many years. The unsurpassed wealth of technical experience in this area combined with full in-house R&D and production facilities makes Wells an ideal new product development partner.

Microbes in our environment

Bacteria, fungi, moulds and mildews are all present in our every day environment. These microscopic organisms have adapted to colonise and thrive in almost all places on earth. Residual levels of many bacterial strains are of no consequence to human health, in fact they can help build a general level of resistance in our immune system to infection and disease.

So why use antibacterial additives?

Certain microbes are harmful to humans and if left unchecked will proliferate to cause infections and diseases. There is a particular need to control these in sensitive environments such as hospitals where acquired infections including MRSA can prove to be fatal.

Microbes can also be responsible for a wide range of undesirable effects such as product deteriation and discoloration, malodour and food contamination to name but a few.

Antimicrobial additives provide an extra layer of protection when combined with normal cleaning procedures.

Where are antimicrobial additives providing protection?

  • Plastics
    • Films
    • Fibers
    • Mouldings
  • Powder Coatings
  • Adhesives
  • Paper
  • Wet Paint

Efficacy of Bactiglas:

Articles manufactured containing Bactiglas additive dispersions have been externally tested
and proven to exhibit reductions in bacterial viable counts by as much as 99.9999% against controls.

The Wells Plastics Bactiglas system

Bactiglas is a range of silver based antimicrobial additive masterbatches and powder dispersions. Silver has long been established as an excellent biocide however it is the unique nature of the Bactiglas microscopic glass delivery system which provides the products superior consistency and longevity of effect.

Residual levels of atmospheric moisture combine with the hydrolytically reactive glass to release the silver ions at the surface of the component.

How long will Bactiglas be effective for?

Tests have shown that the Bactiglas additive continues to work for at least eight years with no reduction in the product’s antibacterial performance Antimicrobial Additive Masterbatches and Powder Dispersions

Key advantages & benefits of using Bactiglas

  • Reduction in spread of healthcare acquired infections
  • Protection against cross contamination
  • Accelerated healing from wound dressings
  • Reduced odour formation in synthetic fibers and sportswear
  • Increased product lifespan and durability
  • Resistance to unsightly and unwanted biofilm build up

How long will Bactiglas be effective for?

Tests have shown that the Bactiglas additive continues to work for at least eight years with no reduction in the product’s antibacterial performance

How quickly does it work?

Bactiglas works rapidly to reduce the numbers of living bacteria on surfaces. Whilst test methods make it difficult to determine the precise speed of kill, independently gathered results have demonstrated significant reductions in live bacterial cell counts within one hour.

Bactiglas in polymers

The Bactiglas additive has successfully been incorporated into the following polymers:

  • ABS
  • Latex
  • PP
  • Acetal
  • Nylon
  • PPS
  • Acrylic
  • PC
  • PS
  • EVA
  • PE
  • PU
  • GPPS
  • PEEK
  • PVC
  • HIPS
  • PET
  • Copolymers

How we test efficacy

Wells Plastics submit all customer samples manufactured containing the Bactiglas additive for external testing and reports on the findings returned. The most commonly applied test method is the JIS Z 2801 although variations are available where appropriate. This test method is rapidly becoming the most widely used and recognized ISO approved test in the industry.

Regulatory Status

The product is registered and the active ingredient is approved through the EFSA and FDA as suitable for food contact. It also carries European BPD and US EPA approvals. The active ingredient, which is silver, is generally regarded as safe.

Product Leadership through Experience

The advantages Wells Bactiglas has over alternative organic and inorganic systems are derived from the combination of consistent controlled ion release, good resistance to discoloration, excellent persistence of effect and rapid biocidal performance.

These benefits are why Bactiglas has been chosen as the means of protection in many industrial, medical, domestic and packaging applications.

This information is correct to the best of our knowledge, but we would recommend that users make their own assessment to confirm that the material meets their requirements. We accept no liability for any damage, loss or injury resulting from the use of this information. Freedom from patent rights must not be assumed.

Wells Plastics Ltd

Emerald Way,
Stone Business Park, Stone,
Staffordshire, ST15 0SR, UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1785 817421
Fax: +44 (0) 1785 817771