A licensing agreement has been signed between US-based Colorcon, a division of Berwind Pharmaceutical Services, and AgIon Technologies, enabling Colorcon to use the AgIon antimicrobial product, No-Tox, in its new product line.
This development positions Colorcon as a key provider of AgIon antimicrobial technology suitable for food, medical and pharmaceutical packaging. No-Tox directly addresses a growing concern over microbial growth on the inside surface of packaging films. The AgIon antimicrobial delivery system provides for continual slow release of silver, a natural antimicrobial compound, ensuring packaging longevity.
"We are the first printing ink and coatings manufacturer worldwide to focus on US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) compliant products for this and other applications in the industries we serve," said Michael F. Gettis, director of business development at No-Tox Products. "As we expand the application of the AgIon antimicrobial technology, we will continue to provide leadership in our industry."
Food packaging engineers are investigating new ways to provide greater shelf life to today's packaging. Providing physical protection, moisture and oxygen barrier is a given, but considering today's consumer anxiety, that may not be enough. Packaging engineers are looking to extend the shelf life and quality of packaged foods. Colorcon, a company that specialises in food, medical and pharmaceutical coatings, inks and colourants, introduces this series of products for packaging applications to try and meet these demands.
"The packaging industry has been asking for a solution to bacterial growth for a number of years," said Roger Freedman, chairman and CEO of AgIon Technologies. "With the combination of the advances that Colorcon and AgIon Technologies have made together, the packaging industry will soon have a new standard for coatings."
AgIon Technologies is a Boston-based biotechnology company engaged in antimicrobial research and development. Its flagship product, sold under the AgIon trademark, is an advanced, highly effective antimicrobial compound that can be used in a wide range of materials used in the biomedical, industrial, commercial, and consumer markets.