the chemistry

The base component of Safe-to-Touch has been developed specifically for purpose in our Nottingham lab to address concerns relating to the growth in the spread of serious illnesses via person-to-person following contact with printed products including food packaging.

The interaction between the coating and active substrate is critical and unique to StT.

The surfactants with the Safe-to-Touch formulation create micro-emulsion colloids. When combined with the active ingredients these balance out polarity and provide a cationic phase operating within the hydrophilic level and an oil / phenolic phase within the hydrophobic stage.

The significance of this is that the pathogens are rendered inactive.

The component chemicals in StT have been identified for their antimicrobial activity and how they dynamically interact between the active ingredients and the sealants, inks, coatings and varnishes.

In addition to conventional antimicrobial agents, we have selected components that will break down the protein structure and lipid layer of the outer shell of micro-organisms. This is also a unique feature for a permanent structure, in this instance print surfaces.

Different formulations have been researched and developed to provide compatibility with all print coatings including  water, oil and UV based products.

All regulatory compliance, stability and licence considerations had to be made alongside the chemical research that were all part of the R&D process.