The partnership fulfills demands in the transport sector for vehicle components with antiviral properties – particularly for components destined for use in public transportation.
Primarily operating in the public transport sector, Ruspa was challenged to provide products that contain virus protection properties. The Nexeo Plastics technical team identified Parx Materials’ additive PEU-UNI007 Saniconcentrate as a potential material option for Ruspa.
Parx Materials’ Saniconcentrate additives can achieve up to 99.9% effectiveness against bacteria and viruses. It is said to be the first line of products to offer proven efficacy against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), Corona 229E, H1N1 and H3N2, in combination with a wide range of base materials, both for solid and textile surfaces.
Throughout the testing process, which was managed both internally and with support of independent laboratories, Nexeo Plastics’ technical team was able to assist Ruspa in obtaining the required documentation for the material solution to be registered through International Material Data System (IMDS).
The first vehicle component to be launched with this new material solution is a seat-back table that incorporates enhanced hygiene protection throughout the day and through multiple uses.
“Thanks to Nexeo Plastics’ expertise in material specifications, as well as their application development support, we have integrated our new lines of vehicle components with antiviral properties that meet the most recent demands of the market,” said Carol Ruspa, vice president, Ruspa Officine Spa, Italy.
“Today’s struggles against the COVID-19 pandemic and antibiotic-resistant superbugs show that innovation is needed when it comes to antimicrobial materials,” commented Michaël van der Jagt, CEO of Parx Materials.
A collaborative effort among the three companies, the material solution provides the required protection that does not influence the injection moulding production process nor the chosen design aesthetics of the end product. The solution is said to remain effective for the product’s full lifespan.
The successful partnership is expected to be extended to the production of seats, footrests, armrests and handles, becoming one of the first products to provide antiviral capability to the automotive industry.
