RTP Company: The Global Leader in Specialty Compounding

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RTP Company Partners with Biosafe to Market Silane-based Antimicrobial Additive Masterbatches

Winona, Minn, USA — RTP Company, a global custom compounder of engineered thermoplastics, announced that it has entered into an exclusive sales and manufacturing agreement with Biosafe, Inc., of Pittsburgh, Pa., to use their silane-based antimicrobial technology in RTP Company's expanded line of antimicrobial products. The patented, Biosafe^® branded antimicrobial can be used by plastic processors as an additive masterbatch in a variety of molding and extrusion processes.

According to Jean Sirois, General Manager RTP Color, the silane-based additive that allows plastics to inhibit microbic growth is more cost-effective than comparable silver-based antimicrobials without discoloration. "The active ingredient in Biosafe masterbatches only needs to be at a 0.25-0.5% loading in the final product to be effective, making it more price competitive than traditional antimicrobials such as silver or triclosan. Unlike silver, which can cause yellowing or tarnishing, silane-based antimicrobials offer better colorability."

Silane-based antimicrobials provide non-migratory and non-depleting protection against polymer staining and degradation caused by bacteria, mold and mildew fungi, and algae that can cause odor, discoloration and other aesthetic or polymer biofouling issues. "Biosafe works by physically rupturing the cell wall to inhibit microbial growth," explained David Dodds, Market Manager at RTP Company. "By comparison, conventional antimicrobials function by leaching into the cell, where they are metabolized and interfere with critical life processes. This can cause microorganism adaptation, building resistance to the antimicrobial. Silane-based products avoid this problem and have been used for decades proving effective against a broad range of microbes."

An additional benefit of the Biosafe antimicrobial masterbatches from RTP Company is the low toxicity of the active biocide. It is non-migratory, maintain its effectiveness over time providing a sustainable means of prolonging the useful life of treated consumer and industrial goods. Silane-based antimicrobials contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, arsenic, or polychlorinated phenols. "The active ingredient in Biosafe masterbatches complies with ISO 10993 tests for non-cytotoxicity," added Sirois.

Silane-based antimicrobial additive masterbatches from RTP Company

Typical addition levels for RTP Company's silane-based masterbatch products are between 2.5% and 5% to impart the required efficacy into the host polymer. They can be used at normal polymer processing temperatures and are available for applications in nylons (PA), acrylic (PMMA), and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPUR) with other resin systems under development.

RTP Company antimicrobial additive masterbatches with Biosafe are an economical and easy to color solution for top performance in protecting plastic articles from being degraded by microbic growth. They are ideal for extending life-cycles and improving aesthetics in a wide range of markets such as transportation, athletic equipment, personal care items, business machines, medical devices, housewares, and more. Applications include injection-molded items and extruded profiles, sheet, film, and fibers.

For more information, contact RTP Company at 507-454-6900 or 800-433-4787, or e-mail rtp@rtpcompany.com.

About RTP Company
RTP Company, headquartered in Winona, Minn., is a global compounder of custom engineered thermoplastics. The company has ten manufacturing plants on three continents, plus sales representatives throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. RTP Company's engineers develop customized thermoplastic compounds in over 60 different engineering resin systems for applications requiring color, conductive, elastomeric, flame retardant, high temperature, structural, and wear resistant properties.