Protective layer prevents MRSA

A new polyester film that incorporates inorganic anti-microbial protection is being used on a new bedpan dispenser range. MacDermid Autotype's 'Autotex AM' polyester film, which has built in 'Microban' anti-microbial protection, has been incorporated into the membrane panels and product labelling on the 'Sluicemaster' bedpan disposer range from Haigh Engineering. This helps prevent the growth and spread of potentially harmful bacteria, such as MRSA, in hospitals. The anti-microbial protection works by penetrating the cell wall of micro-organisms that come into contact with the substrate surface and disrupting their cell functions, making them unable to grow or reproduce. Anti-microbial technology is incorporated into Autotex textured hard coat during manufacturing, ensuring an even distribution of the anti-microbial agent throughout the texture and film surface. The Autotex AM film substrate is being printed for Haigh Engineering by Sussex Screen Printing, a company that has been working for Haigh Engineering for more than 10 years, while the keyboard itself is manufactured by Hampshire-based company IGT Industries. Adam Bardin, partner at Sussex Screen Printing commented: "We've only been using the Autotex AM film for a short period but already we are very impressed with the quality and printability of this new material. We're also using other non-antimicrobial film substrates from MacDermid Autotype and have found them all to be superior compared to competing polyester materials. The Autotex substrates are easy to handle on press, with excellent printing characteristics and have an extremely tough hard coat which makes them ideal for a wide range of demanding applications." Nick Shepherd, deputy managing director at Haigh Engineering said that using Autotex AM on its Sluicemaster bedpan range "added a further dimension to the infection control ability, as the inorganic anti-microbial protection provided by the film substrate reduces bacteria by 99% in the first 24 hours".