Since their market launch in June 2020, the new varnishes of the "Microbe Protect" product line have impressed many distributors and printing houses or aroused their interest. On the one hand, with a strong print result, and on the other hand with an antimicrobial and antiviral varnish additive. The varnishes have now pos-itively passed antiviral tests on a strain of the corona family.

"We always prove the performance of our products in profound tests. In the case of our "Microbe Protect" product line with an exclusive nanosilver active ingredient complex, customer interest in test series is particularly high," explains Dr. Carl Epple, member of the Management Board and Head of Innovation and Development at Epple Druckfarben AG. He adds, "This is why we have had various print samples tested by renowned ex-ternal testing institutes to validate the antibacterial and antiviral effectiveness of the var-nish additive. These include antiviral tests carried out with Finishfit® WBC Gloss Microbe Protect 2400 on a strain of the corona family.” The dispersion varnish is suitable for use on pharmaceutical and food packaging, magazines and playing cards, among others.

The reduction of bacteria on the varnish film of Finishfit® WBC Gloss Microbe Protect 2400 was tested against common types of bacteria on different print samples according to ISO 22196:2011. The tests resulted in a reduction of the bacterial count by up to 99.99% (log level 4). In addition, a first antiviral examination of a print sample in accordance with the guidelines of the Robert Koch Institute and ISO 21702:2019 against a strain of the corona virus family (BCoV) showed a reduction of 99.98% within one hour.

The varnishes of the Finishfit® Microbe Protect series contain an additive with antibacterial and antiviral effectiveness. What is behind it? The varnishes contain elementary silver nanoparticles that are firmly anchored in the varnish film. From there, positively charged silver ions reach the varnish surface, significantly reducing the number of bacteria and viruses. The effect is permanent and long lasting as the nanoparticles them-selves are not released and cannot be rubbed off the dried varnish. The health protection for users and consumers is thereby ensured.