Consumers have been asked to frequently wash and disinfect their hands, and this has led them to expect a high level of protection at the point of sale. In response to this, Austrian packaging company Schur Flexibles can now apply an antibacterial varnish to a range of its films such as top films and flowpacks.
The antibacterially coated films can be used for a wide variety of packaging. The company said its analysis showed the coating reduces the bacteria present on packaging by 95%. The varnish has been tested and confirmed safe for food packaging, including dairy, meat and fish, among others.
In Poland, Duda, a producer of meats and sausages, has been using it to demonstrate the company’s commitment to responsibility during the pandemic and reassure consumers that handling their products is completely safe.
At the point of sale, packets are often touched, picked up and put back. The antibacterial coating helps prevent the transfer of bacteria and aims to put consumer minds at rest. For manufacturers, no changes to their production lines are necessary. Films coated with the varnish run the same as uncoated films on all machines. In addition, it integrates into the printing process, ensuring that print quality remains the same.
“Food and consumer safety begins with intelligent packaging solutions. We are the first packaging manufacturer to offer this type of coating to our customers. With this solution, we are supporting manufacturers and retailers in their efforts to optimise hygiene and provide enhanced food safety,” said Joanna Herbst, commercial product manager conversion at Schur Flexibles.