LIFE Additives Life Material Technologies Limited is the leading supplier of antimicrobial additives for polymer applications, offering a wide range of inorganics, synthetic organics, and natural botanics. The additives have global registrations, are effective against , fungi and algae, and are supplied as powders, liquids, and pelletized masterbatches

Antimicrobial additives are widely used in to protect against the growth of micro-organisms:

• Fiber manufacturers are using • Antimicrobial additives are them to stop growth of bacteria used in for kitchens and that cause bad smell in clothing. other food handling areas where people are concerned about • Makers of PU- and PVC-coated contamination. textiles are using to stop the growth of stain- • Food packaging manufacturers causing fungi. are starting to use antimicrobials to help extend of • Antimicrobials are widely used certain foods. in medical polymers to reduce the presence of microbes in LIFE supplies antimicrobial hospitals. additives for these and many other applications. • Home appliance companies are using antimicrobials in parts to eliminate smell in air conditioners and washing machines.

LIFE’s antimicrobial polymer additives comply with the requirements of the European Union’s Biocidal Products Regulation 528/2012, which is administered by the European Chemical Agency, and the US Federal , and Act, which is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency.

LIFE supplies products in powder, liquid and pelletized masterbatch form for film blowing, fiber and sheet extrusion, rotational molding, injection molding, and compression molding. LIFE has the broadest offering of antimicrobial polymer additives in the marketplace, covering three major categories:

Silver Inorganics: This group and algae, and can also deliver of inorganic additives uses the strong antibacterial activity. oligodynamic effect, or the ability Organics are generally lower of to inhibit micro- cost than inorganics, and can in organisms. All of LIFE’s inorganic many cases also be used in clear additives use silver ions, which are plastics with no negative impact the most potent metal ions, and on transparency. At present, some products also use no organic antimicrobials are and zinc ions. The metal ions are registered in the European Union delivered in various carrier systems, for use in food and drinking water including soluble glass formulations contact plastics, but some are and zeolites, which ensure registered for such uses in the durability of the antimicrobial United States. effect and compatibility with polymer compounds. LIFE’s silver Natural Botanics: As the first inorganics are particularly safe, and company in the marketplace, many are approved for use in food LIFE has developed a range of and drinking water contact plastics. antimicrobial polymer additives Inorganic antimicrobials have using natural plant extracts excellent temperature stability, and as active ingredients. These can withstand the highest plastics products are particularly popular processing temperatures. Efficacy in consumer applications, where is excellent against bacteria, and they meet consumer expectations moderate against fungi and algae. for sustainable solutions. The primary ingredient used in LIFE’s Synthetic Organics: LIFE offers botanic offering is peppermint oil, a wide range of organic additives which has excellent activity against with potent antimicrobial bacteria, and can be used in efficacy. They are the preferred a wide range of polymers, including choice for efficacy against fungi transparent grades.

3 Life Material Technologies Limited www.life-materials.com