UK label specialist Denny Bros has added antimicrobial protection to its pharmaceutical labels.
The antibacterial additive can be applied as a floodcoat to its multi-page labels, wet peel labels, linerless labels, single ply labels and Patient Information Leaflets (PILs).
The firm said this feature will lead the fight against hospital-acquired infections (HCAIs).
Key information to be held on the firm's multi-page labels can include medication instructions in multiple languages, safety messages, dosage details and legal information.
Labelling applications range from containers, vials and syringes.
Adding antimicrobial properties (which is claimed to be 99.9% effective) into the varnish of its labels and leaflets can severely inhibit the growth of micro-organisms, fungi or mould, the company said.
The antimicrobial properties contain silver to create additives for use in almost any material where hygiene, performance or aesthetics are important.
All of the active components in these antimicrobial properties are approved by the EFSA and FDA and supported on the Biocidal Product Regulations.
The longevity of antimicrobial protection from Denny Bros’ printed products is assured, as once it has been incorporated into a material it is there to stay.
It is unaffected by cleaning chemicals such as chlorine bleach, disinfectants and alcohol.
Other key features of Denny Bros’ products include anti-tamper and anti-counterfeiting properties, which are also crucial to improve patient safety.
Denny Bros’ Marketing Director, Stephen Jarrold, said: 'We are confident that we can help raise the hygiene standards for pharmaceutical manufacturers and even food producers with our new feature of antimicrobial protection.
'We support, wholeheartedly, the objectives of the NHS to improve infection prevention and control in healthcare provision in the UK.
'Our labels have proven credentials due to the tests carried out on the incorporation of the antimicrobial properties in the varnish.'