Denny Bros adds antimicrobial properties to labels to combat HCAIs

An additive can be applied as a floodcoat to multi-page labels, wet peel labels, linerless labels, single ply labels and patient information leaflets (PILs). Denny Bros said this newly available feature has a much broader scope of protection than found in those with antibacterial properties, and will lead the fight against healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) including MRSA, which is a type of bacteria that is resistant to a number of widely used antibiotics. This means MRSA infections can be more difficult to treat than other bacterial infections. MRSA is a so-called superbug, as are E-coli, salmonella, listeria and legionella, and with this new feature Denny Bros is working to limit their emergence and spread.

The antimicrobial properties, claimed to be 99.9 percent effective, contain silver to create additives for use in almost any material where hygiene, performance or aesthetics are important. All of the active components in these antimicrobial properties are approved by the EFSA and FDA and supported on the Biocidal Product Regulations. The longevity of antimicrobial protection from the printed products is assured, as once the additive has been incorporated into a material it is there to stay. It is unaffected by cleaning chemicals such as chlorine bleach, disinfectants and alcohol.

Key information held on multi-page labels can include medication instructions in multiple languages, safety messages, dosage details and legal information. Labeling applications range from containers, vials and even syringes, where despite the often small available surface a large amount of text, graphs and pictograms can be easily incorporated. These labels are ideal for providing detailed medical information as they are securely attached to the product and cannot be lost.

The UK is reporting the lowest rates of MRSA in its NHS hospitals since 2001. However, despite UK hospitals leading the way in the global fight against HCAIs, the costs to the country are still estimated to be in the region of one billion GBP a year. As bacteria can be carried both on personnel and equipment, it is in the healthcare providers’ interests to limit the possible transfer of any bacteria from containers to medical staff or directly to patients.

Denny Bros marketing director Stephen Jarrold said: ‘We are confident that we can help raise the hygiene standards for pharmaceutical manufacturers and even food producers with our new feature of antimicrobial protection.

‘We support, wholeheartedly, the objectives of the NHS to improve infection prevention and control in healthcare provision in the UK. Our labels have proven credentials due to the tests carried out on the incorporation of the antimicrobial properties in the varnish and who knows - Denny Bros’ labels may help reduce overall NHS costs too.’

The introduction of antimicrobial properties into the varnish of its labels and leaflets means Denny Bros has products offering high levels of protection from unwanted bacteria. This feature can severely inhibit the growth of microorganisms, fungi or mould. Other features of Denny Bros products include anti-tamper and anti-counterfeiting properties.

Read more about the pharmecutical label and packaging market in L&L issue 5, 2016