Materials & Supplies
New Coronavirus-Killing Paints Emerge in Global Markets
They pledge viral reduction of up to 99.9% on painted surfaces.
As the world battles the deadly coronavirus pandemic that has killed three million people, the global paint industry is stepping up its efforts to produce paint that kills Covid-19.
Several paint manufacturers have already excited markets after announcing breakthroughs in the development of a range of products that can help curb the spread of the virus.
US-based PPG Industries, Inc., for example, has partnered with materials science specialist Corning Inc. to produce a paint that kills the virus that causes Covid-19.
The new product, which underwent EPA-approved tests, is said to kill more than 99.9% of viruses – including coronaviruses.
Pharma Paint of Italy has also unveiled what it says guarantees a viral reduction of 99.54% on painted and treated surfaces, making it a safe and long-lasting safety technique.
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Dubbed MP 55 Antiviral Paint, the antiviral coating is ideal for high-risk environments such as hospitals, nursing homes, gyms, and public transportation doors and windows.
Inhibition of viral load
Pharma Paint said it tested the paint at accredited labs and got positive results in the determination of the inhibition of viral load with Sars, Cov2, Covid-19 and BoCV under ISO 21702 2019.
The tests found a 97.39% reduction of the SarsCov2 virus on the painted surface in the first two hours and 99.54% in the next six hours.
On its part, VITEX S.A., which is based in Aspropyrgos, Greece, has developed what it claims to be the world’s first paint technology to offer more than 99% reduction in coronavirus on painted surfaces.
Known as VAIRO, the paint based on VAIRO Healthcare Technology is effective against coronaviruses, and SarsCov2 as well, after four hours of contact.
Virus transmission
VITEX says the product increases the defence against virus transmission over painted surfaces while inhibiting bacteria growth over them.
“Our scientists are very proud having developed this advanced functional paint technology, using highly engineered tailor-made polymers, smart antimicrobials and production processes,” said VITEX R&D director Aristoteles Nikolakopoulos.
Extensive testing performed in European laboratories found that the use of VAIRO in paints neutralises 99.00%-99.99% of several viruses (including Sars-Cov2) while reducing many bacteria like E. coli, St. Aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus hirae.
The shift in consumer demand for hygiene-oriented paints and the surge in popularity of eco-friendlier products are expected to trigger outstanding innovations in paints and coatings.
Demand is already on the rise for anti-corrosion and anti-bacterial coatings, which are now regarded as the next big thing in the coatings market.
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