Ultrachem launches Safe to Touch Print coatings

STTP is an antibacterial print coating which uses a combination of BPR approved ingredients that work by deactivating all current common pathogens. 

Key features include a kill rate of 99.99 percent of bacteria, viruses and fungi, which makes all printed surfaces coated with STTP effective within four minutes, according to a live dead staining study, carried out by the life science department at Nottingham University, giving protection that will last the lifetime of the print, Ultrachem said.

STTP is available in matte, gloss, double sided silk, soft touch matte and low migration finishes. It has been validated to EN22196 and EN20743.

Such properties make STTP coatings suitable for a range of end uses including medical and hospital documents, pharmaceutical printing, non-food packaging through to everyday printed menus, stationery and even magazines which are often multi-party handled.

Successful trials have now been completed in the UK, and showed that the product does not affect the runnability, drying characteristics, appearance, consistency and final printed result.

Janet Brinton, Ultrachem director, said: ‘This product has been a long time in development, but we wanted to guarantee to our customers that the final product would meet their quality expectations. STTP coatings are a unique way for a printer to add value to their finished items and to differentiate them from their competitors. Customers can even add the logo indicating Safe to Touch Print has been used on a particular piece of work.’