Virusweeper™ packaging inhibits the growth of certain viruses and bacteria and significantly reduces their numbers on surfaces. The action of both the film and carton types of Virusweeper™has been verified by measurement in line with ISO 21702 for antiviral activity and ISO 22196 for antibacterial activity on plastics and non-porous surfaces, and the packaging has been certified by Japan’s Society of International sustaining growth for Antimicrobial Articles (SIAA) for its antiviral and antibacterial performance. The packaging also conforms to Japan’s specifications and standards for foods and food additives.
Treatment requires no change to the manufacturing process because an antiviral agent is added to an existing varnish, and Toppan’s technologies make it possible to add antiviral and antibacterial functionality while maintaining the scratch resistance of existing packages. Film-type Virusweeper is ideal for flexible packaging, such as stand-up and pillow pouches, while the already available paper-based version can be used for color and decorative folding cartons.
“Virusweeper packaging meets pertinent needs for greater levels of hygiene and reassurance in our daily lives,” said Ikuno Shimeno, General Manager of Development Strategy in Toppan’s Packaging Solutions business. “Toppan will continue to drive functionality for package products and expand solutions with antiviral functions to markets such as food and fast-moving consumer goods, while also developing a wide array of other products offering antiviral and antibacterial performance.”
Samples of Virusweeper film packaging will be available from March, with the launch of sales scheduled for April.
