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Poised to Perform As health and safety measures continue to take centrestage, performance materials will play a leading role in the return of safe travel. Words: Ben Thomas
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W
ith travel and tourism set to make a
behind the system has now been used to create a
comeback this summer, all eyes will
multi-surface spray, Shieldplus Protect, and as a
be on the measures being put in place
laundry additive, Shieldplus Laundry.
to ensure that passengers around the world
Unlike standard antimicrobial cleaners, which
can embark on their journeys at ease. While
evaporate soon after application, Shieldplus
testing, vaccinations and social distancing will
Protect forms a chemical bond with the surface,
naturally make the front pages, the importance
allowing it to stay present for up to 90 days, while
of performance materials should not be
Shieldplus Laundry offers protection on clothing
underestimated, with surfaces taking a leading
and bedding for up to 14 wash cycles. In addition,
role in stopping the spread of infectious diseases
both solutions employ water-based chemistry,
on land, at sea and in the air.
which doesn’t leach into the environment.
SAFETY FIRST
strategy for more than 15 years,” says CEO Tony
Reducing the risk of transmission will be a primary
Attard, who confirms that Panaz is supplying
concern for operators, and manufacturers are on
thousands of metres of its antimicrobial fabric
hand to provide innovations that assist in doing
to the upcoming Viking Glory vessel. “Initially,
so. Take Shieldplus by Panaz, an antimicrobial
the technology was developed in response to
cleaning system that is effective against 99.99%
superbugs within hospitals, which were gaining
of viruses, bacterial and fungal microbes –
immunity to traditional antimicrobials. The aim
including Coronavirus, MRSA, Norovirus and
was to develop a solution that could eliminate
E. Coli. Having been independently tested and
microbes on contact, preventing them from
subsequently adopted by Premier Inn as part of
adapting an immunity whilst being permanently
its standard cleaning protocols, the technology
bonded to the fabric.”
“Shieldplus has been a key part of our healthcare
