The History of Microban Technology
Most Often Asked Questions

So How Does Microban get it’s ingredient into the product?

It’s done using a unique technology that is based on the active ingredient found in popular antibacterial soaps, shampoos, and deodorants. MPC has developed the proprietary technology to make this ingredient part of a solid product’s composition.
Microban protection can be incorporated into all types of plastic, synthetic and natural fibers, providing a resistance to the growth of bacteria,molds, and fungi that cause odors and stains. Microban protection is engineered to last the life of the product. It does not rub,wash, or wear off.

Glen Cueman President MPC:“Both manufacturers and retailers can benefit from the Microban technology.”

What is Microban and How Does it Work?

Microban is an odorless, tasteless, and colorless ingredient that is incorporated directly into a polymer’s molecular structure. Microban inhibits the growth of microorganisms by using an electrochemical mode of action to penetrate and disrupt their cell walls and other key cell functions. These cells are then unable to reproduce, thereby inhibiting the growth of the organism.

Microban additive molecules work continuously over the life of the product. Microban protection affects only the treated material itself. Its properties that inhibit the growth of bacteria do not transfer to items that may come in contact with the material.
Use of products with the Microban additive in no way eliminates the need to clean, disinfect or care for products the way you normally would. Microban simply helps keep the products cleaner and fresher between cleaning.

Are All Antimicrobials Alike?

It should be noted that all antimicrobials are not alike. They can differ considerably in the terms of safety, efficiency, durability, and cost. All these factors can significantly impact the true benefit of the product, manufacturer,and retailer. For example everyone wants to add the least cost to the product. However, just because a product is cheap, does not mean it is the right ingredient for the intended use. If the ingredient is a heavy metal, which many antimicrobials contain, consumers may have a concern about that.

How does Microban work with manufacturers to ensure the ingredient is properly incorporated in various products?

A project manager is assigned to each customer to oversee all aspects of the relationship between MPC and the manufacturer. The MPC technical staff of chemists work closely with the manufacturers product development team to analyze the product composition, use and manufacturing process to ensure efficient and effective incorporation of the Microban ingredient. We work to customize the product system utilizing our extensive polymer experience to match the clients requirements for the project. Additionally, we work with our clients to develop a quality assurance process and testing requirements to ensure the Microban ingredient is incorporated properly. MPC’s staff microbiologists as part of the quality assurance program, regularly test products to ensure that they can in fact, guard against the growth of bacteria once Microban has been put in the product. MPC’s product manger oversees and coordinates all activities with the chemist and microbiologists to bring the product to market quickly. In addition, MPC works together with its partners to help develop marketing strategies and sales Materials.

Who regulates the Company?
Is it the EPA or the FDA?
What needs to be done to ensure Compliance with Federal Standards?

The product application, in part, determines what government agency regulates the incorporation of an antimicrobials and claims about it. For example, The FDA regulated products that incorporate Microban One of those products illustrates the low level of toxicity of Microban. This product is a plastic drape used during surgery. The EPA has regulatory authority over most other product applications. The Microban ingredient has been registered by the EPA for use in an extensive list of end use products for consumer and Commercial applications.

There have been some comments in the press about the development resistant organisms. What are your comments this issue?

Cueman: While many people are aware that the overuse of prescription antibiotics man result in bacteria may result in antibiotic resistant bacteria. The active ingredient in Microban works quiet differently than an antibiotic. MPC has chosen for the basis of its technology and antimicrobial called Triclosan, which is one of the most widely tested antimicrobials in the world. After more than 30 years of use in numerous consumer and institutional product applications around the world, there has been no clinical evidence of resistant strain development linked to the ingredient, nor is there evidence of acquired bacterial resistance to other antimicrobials or antibiotic resulting from its use. Other antimicrobials could have durability or efficacy issues. That is why it is important to use only antimicrobials that are tried, tested, and widely used.

What Does the Future Hold?

Cuman: The future is very bright for our company and our product. We already have an extensive list of partners in consumer, medical, and commercial applications. Each of these markets, both domestically and internationally, hold significant opportunity. Lets look at consumer products. On the market right now are products for virtually every category throughout the store. There are pillows, mattress pads, and blankets for the home textiles section,cutting boards and food utensils in the housewares department, and toothbrushes and humidifiers in the drug department. For the coming year, there are a number of other product lines in the final development stages. The consumer demand is growing for these products. These variety of products opens an unprecedented promotional opportunity at all retail levels.