Stationery and office equipment could be "hotspots" for bacterial cross contamination, according to new research.
A study carried out for Microban Europe shows that 82% of people share stationery and office equipment at home, 77% at work and 53% at their college or university.*
Paul McDonnell, managing director at Microban Europe, the world market leader in antibacterial technology, said: "The survey shows that there is clearly extensive sharing of stationery and office equipment and, where this happens, there is always potential for bacterial cross contamination from person to surface to person."
Microban Europe´s research also indicates that consumers would have a high level of interest in stationery and office equipment with built in antibacterial protection. For example, 54% would be "interested" or "very interested" in buying a computer mouse or keyboard using Microban, while 48% would show a similar preference to pens.
McDonnell added: "Although we already work with some stationery and office equipment companies, there is clearly considerable potential for increased use of antibacterial technology in this market sector based on the consumer research."
On untreated surfaces such as stationery and office equipment, bacteria can potentially double in number in 20 minutes but Microban disrupts their functioning, usually causing them to die within 24 hours.
Microban offers a range of more than 20 different antibacterial technologies that can be built into everything from fabrics to ceramics, holds more than 100 patents and conducts more than 40,000 laboratory tests annually to underpin technical efficacy.
The company has licensed its technologies to more than 250 partners including Whirlpool, Bissell, Rubbermaid, Tefal, Dupont® Reebok and many others who have incorporated Microban antibacterial protection into more than 1,000 products.
* Research carried out by Toluna for Microban Europe with a sample size of 1,045 respondents.
About Microban Europe
Microban Europe has headquarters in Cannock, Staffordshire, United Kingdom, and also has operations in Germany, Italy and France. Microban International is headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, United States, and has Asian offices in Hong Kong and Shenzen, as well as a South American office in Brazil.
Note to editors
This press release is designed for use in European territories.
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