Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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We have Mail: sanitary bin liners
Dear Jan, We were pleased to read last week's article on sanitary bin liners highlighting the need for in-depth scientific data to support claims made for antimicrobial consumables. As a provider of antimicrobial sanitary waste liners we agree that it is important to provide scientifically verified data, and to follow the principles of the relevant testing standards.
According to reports by the NHS Hospital Trust and the Primary Care Organisation, 1,222 MRSA bloodstream infections were reported between July 2014 and July 2015, with 72% of those attributed as being contracted outside of the hospital setting.
For cleaning companies, it is not only important to provide protection for their customers against harmful germs such as MRSA, E.Coli and Legionella, but it is also important to protect their staff. After all, cleaners are the ones who will be handling dispensers, chemical bottles, vacuum cleaners and other cleaning products.
What I think is also important to highlight is the difference between 'antibacterial' and 'antimicrobial' protection. 'Antibacterial' means that the substance protects the growth of bacteria. 'Antimicrobial' however prevents the growth of disease causing microbes, which along with bacteria, includes fungi, moulds and algae. Interestingly, companies will often market the word 'antibacterial' when actually their product is an antimicrobial, just because it is the more commonly known word. So you might get an added benefit without realising it!
When it comes to antimicrobials, what's key is to ensure that every possible way of bacteria being transferred onto us humans is eliminated. We like to suggest taking a "three level" approach to protection. Granules put into the waste bag are often designed to release vapours that sanitise the whole waste from the inside.
However there is the possibility of these types of additives becoming covered by the waste, which can nullify the antimicrobial effect. The addition of an antimicrobial liner bag protects users from the outside (with an additional antimicrobial coating inside, which stops bacteria from waste transferring onto the inside of the bag), and does not allow for bacteria to transfer from the bottom of the waste bin onto the outside of the bag. These can be scented, providing a pleasing fragrance. The addition of an antimicrobial additive on the actual sanitary waste bin ensures anyone touching the unit is protected.
Of course, anything we can do to protect people is a positive thing, and as a responsible manufacturer, we are always pleased to see these important subjects being discussed in the media.
Best wishes, Paul Wonnacott, Vectair Systems
[email protected]
11th August 2016