Over the past year, we’ve all become much more aware of the need to protect ourselves from the  spread of airborne and

surface-borne germs. It’s not just about COVID-19, which has changed our lives forever, but also about numerous threats that existed previously.

Of major concern are superbugs – strains of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites that have adapted to overcome the drugs, such as

antibiotics, designed to destroy them. Healthcare systems around the world are fighting extremely hard against superbugs, intent on

their destruction even as existing antibiotics become ineffective.

 

The evolution of drug-resistant superbugs is a natural phenomenon that can’t be totally eliminated, but it can be slowed down – and

antimicrobial packaging can truly help. By reducing bacterial and microbial matter by 99.99%, it minimizes harmful contaminants

that would otherwise be transferred from a package surface to a person’s hands and body. By dramatically reducing the risk of

cross-contamination, antimicrobial packaging assists in preventing the spread of diseases caused by bacteria and microbes.

This in turn can help reduce the need for antibiotics and other drugs that contribute to the growth of superbugs’ immunity to drugs.

 

LAGEENTUBES’ new Antimicrobial Tubes is an excellent example of how the packaging industry is integrating advanced technologies to help

in combatting the spread of disease and in dramatically slowing the growth of superbugs. With a unique antimicrobial additive, we make products

extra-hygienic and safer to use, contributing to improved health for consumers.

 

How does antimicrobial packaging work?

Antimicrobial packaging integrates special additives that destroy microbes and/or bacteria. Depending on the technology,

the antimicrobial action may work on different types of packaging material and may be effective for up to 25 years. This approach

is particularly beneficial with packaging that is handled multiple times in various locations and situations over the course of the product’s use.

Tubes of sanitizers, liquid soap, hand and body lotion, cosmetics, baby and infant lotions, as well as diaper creams can be prime vectors for infection.

Left out on shelves and countertops, and carried around in handbags and baby bags, microbes can be transferred from our hands to the tube surface

and vice versa at any time. Frequently, tubes are touched (whether on purpose or unintentionally such as when reaching into a bag) when people are

in germ-filled places such as public transport, stores, and public bathrooms.

 

LAGEENTUBES Antimicrobial Tubes – Proven, Long-lasting performance

In the case of LAGEENTUBES Antimicrobial Tubes, the plastic tubes have been proven to significantly inhibit the growth of microbes.

Laboratory tests showed that microbe growth is reduced by at least 99.99%. The antimicrobial performance persists throughout the shelf-life of the tube,

and beyond, and is unaffected by environmental conditions, including extreme cold, heat and humidity. The entire tube, from the cap to the bottom,

can be made of antimicrobial material and is recyclable.

 

LAGEENTUBES Antimicrobial Tubes were extensively tested under the ISO 22196 standard, which measures antibacterial activity on plastics and

other non-porous products. They are also certified as food-safe, and the anti-microbial additive integrated in the tubes complies with REACH

regulations.

 

Supporting health AND sustainability

The antimicrobial technology can be integrated into all LAGEENTUBES’ tubes, including its family of sustainable products.

Eco-friendly mono-material, sugarcane, PCR and INNO-GREENPACK antimicrobial tubes reduce the transmission of germs and help slow

the growth of superbugs – supporting healthier lives and a healthier planet for us all.