MicroGuard has been developed as a non-leaching antifungal agent that is free from metals, providing a more eco-friendly alternative to arsenic-based oxybisphenoxarsine (OBPA), which is commonly used as an antifungal additive but is causing regulatory concerns due to its potential to contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life, the company said in a press release.

US-based Microban International has announced the launch of a new range of antifungal additives called MicroGuard. The series of additives are designed to be used in PVC, PU, and EVA applications, including foam, and provide high antifungal efficacy and 24/7 built-in protection to prevent microbial degradation and extend the product lifetime.

The technology can be easily integrated into PVC, PU, and EVA products during the manufacturing process, and it can be used in a broad range of applications. For example, MicroGuard can be incorporated into outdoor PVC products such as roofing membranes, tarpaulin, awnings, and decking. It can also be used to treat goods manufactured from PU and EVA foams, including shoe soles, furniture cushions, and mattresses.

The company aims to provide effective antimicrobial solutions while also ensuring that their products are environmentally safe.

“We are pleased to introduce MicroGuard, a metal-free technology designed to combat fungal growth on PVC products, as well as on PU and EVA foams. MicroGuard’s more favourable toxicity profile is ahead of the curve in terms of shifts in the regulatory landscape concerning built-in antifungals for these goods, offering manufacturers a highly effective built-in solution to increase product durability,” said Michael Ruby, president at Microban International.

“MicroGuard has been carefully developed using our extensive in-house expertise to meet the diverse needs of PU, EVA, and PVC manufacturers. Available in both pellet and liquid formulations, MicroGuard has global registration to offer manufacturers confidence in treating their polymer products,” said Souvik Nandi, vice president of technology and innovations at Microban International.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DP)