Print plays its part in fighting infection

Published by Jim Connolly at 05/10/2020

Paper is in our lives and will be staying in our lives.

We have spent a lot of time here at Sure thinking about how printed material is in our lives everyday. So how safe is it??? We sell it so we will be biased. We honestly believe its safe but can we make it 99.99% safe. After a great deal of research we have come up with the answer

On average, each person consumes approximately 306 kilograms of paper a year. So, where does it all go? You might be surprised at some of the answers…

Printing, media, and entertainment

In the USA alone, they read over 350 million magazines, 2 billion books, and 24 billion newspapers a year – all printed on paper. Children play with paper dolls, paper masks, paper board games, and paper kites. Your ticket to a movie is made out of paper, and so are the containers and carry-out trays for your popcorn and drinks.

At work and school

Paper is everywhere we look in schools and businesses; our desks are covered in paper. We now generate more paper than ever before and all of the legal documents in our lives are made out of paper. Some of these include money, cheques, certificates, stocks, birth and marriage certificates.

Packaging

Cardboard is one of the largest categories of paper product that is taken for granted. Most household and personal products we consume online are packaged and shipped using cardboard. We would not be able to receive these items without the packaging that protects them.

Paper; the essential material

Paper has changed dramatically over the years and evolved from not just a writing surface but to a material that touches almost every aspect of our lives. we frequently take it for granted but it is hard to imagine our lives without paper.

We at Sure have been working with our suppliers to find new ways that we can help fight the spread of infection. Hygiene is now so important and in areas such as healthcare it is essential and paramount to peoples safety. A paper coating with strong antimicrobial properties is now available. It features additives that are highly effective against pathogens such as MRSA and E-coli. The coating does not have a specific resistance to Covid-19 as yet but Sure can offer to finish your print with an anti-bacterial coating that has the potential to cut down the spread of bacteria and therefore infection. This could offer as a line of defence against future pandemics. We call this coating Sure Protect.

‘Sure Protect’ antibacterial coating…

Eliminates 99% of bacteria that comes into contact with the film
Great matte finish
Exclusive offers and revolutionary solution to the arts (inc theatre) sectorThe film will remain free of bacteria no matter how many hands touch the product,
Lifetime protection guaranteed.
Sure Protect Logo supplied to add to your print.

According to the US-based Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 80% of illness-causing germs are transferred by touch¹. Since paper can be a carrier of bacteria, it makes perfect sense to use an antimicrobial coating in all settings where the spread of bacteria needs to be kept to a minimum.

Typical Applications

Hospital communication material and packaging
GP Surgeries
Schools
Children’s books
Restaurant menus
Packaging of personal care products
Shopping Centres

“This is amazing and a big steps forward for Sure and the print industry. We’re so happy to be able to offer antimicrobial print which could make a huge difference in the worldwide fight against infection.”

Brad Jones, Managing Director, Sure

The power of paper and cardboard to fight against the spread of disease

This is an exciting area within infection control. According to a new report, the antimicrobial coatings market is projected to grow from $3.3 billion in 2020 to $5.6 billion by 2025². This is mainly down to the adoption of antimicrobial coatings in the healthcare and food sector, but they are expected to be used more and more in the packaging industry. You dont need to pick up your glasses your read this right.. $5.6 billion!!!!!

In theory Antimicrobial coating ‘self-sanitises’ paper products that are exposed to high volumes of touching and handling without affecting the appearance or performance of the paper itself. The silver ions within the paper are continually working to prevent the growth of harmful micro-organisms. This affectively reduces contamination levels on the surface of the paper.

No known Covid-19 transmission from print surfaces

Research from the world’s leading health organisations, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) has concluded that there are no known incidents of Covid-19 transmission from print surfaces, whether that’s newspapers, magazines, letters or packaging³.

Even so by adding antimicrobial coatings, your print can add even more trust and reassurance in the medium and lay to rest many of the myths regarding the link to the spread of disease.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any more information on Sure Protect and or the other services we offers.

Kind Regards