What is AntiBug®?

AntiBug® is a surface treatment, based on Silver nanotechnology, which has been clinically proven to kill 99.99% of harmful bacteria within a 24-hour period. What’s more, AntiBug® products can withstand repeated cleaning cycles whilst maintaining antibacterial effectiveness. The controlled release of the active ingredient provides maximum long-term activity. AntiBug® protection is available on a range of our bestselling promotional products.

The AntiBug® treatment has been successfully tested against over 50 common organisms such as;

• MRSA
• E.coli
• Salmonella
• Listeria
• Pseudomonas
• Aspergillus Niger

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Silver?
Silver is a metallic element, atomic number 47, and the chemical symbol Ag. Silver nanotechnology is a proven antimicrobial against a wide range of organisms.

How does it work?
Antimicrobials are added to a product at the time of manufacture. These silver ions then concentrate on the surface of the product and are available to act against any contaminating bacteria. The silver ions bind with the bacteria and damage their cells in a number of ways, disrupting their normal function, stopping them from reproducing and causing them to die.

Is it safe?
Yes – silver technology has low toxicity and is used in a wide range of applications such as implantable devices and skin creams. The antimicrobials are also microns in size, many thousands of times bigger than nanoparticles.

How long does it last?
The AntiBug® treatment will last for the normal life of the product under correct use.

Does it replace cleaning?
The additive is complementary to cleaning practices. The technology continues to work 24 hours a day in between the normal cleaning schedules thus reducing the growth of the microbes and preventing them from reaching potentially dangerous levels.

Is the look and feel of the product affected by the AntiBug® treatment?
There will be no change to the characteristics of the product other than achieving antimicrobial efficacy.

Can bacteria become resistant to silver ion technology? Due to the several modes of action silver utilises, it is highly unlikely bacteria will become resistant to the AntiBug® coating.

Does it leach?
No, silver ions do not leach but remain active on the surface of the product.

Is it regulated?
Yes – in the UK and EU by the Biocidal Products Directive (BPD) and in the US by the EPA.