At Hodgson Sealants, innovation is at the core of our mission to deliver exceptional products. Our collaboration with BioCote®, a leader in antimicrobial additives with over 30 years of expertise, has enabled us to develop HygieneSeal AG, a cutting-edge sealant solution designed for environments where hygiene is paramount.
In communal areas with high footfall, such as schools, hospitals and prisons, maintaining a clean environment for visitors and users is essential. Microbes and bacteria linked to E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella and MRSA can impact the quality and performance of sealant products used in these settings.
Traditional sanitary silicones, based on outdated technologies, have long been the norm. Developed initially as in-can preservatives, these fungicides typically last up to two years before allowing mould growth and offer no protection against bacteria.
Recognising a gap in the market, we aimed to create a truly antimicrobial product with a lifespan that matches the application. The development of this led us to discover BioCote® in 2017, providing the solution we needed to fill the market gap – that being our HygieneSeal AG, which forms part of Hodgson Sealants’ HY-SPEC® Hybrid range.
What is HygieneSeal AG?
HygieneSeal AG is a high modulus, single component, moisture-curing adhesive and sealant – and the only one on the market featuring unique BioCote® technology.
Similar products on the market are bathroom silicones that primarily combat mould and typically last about a year. In contrast, our products that contain BioCote® technology addresses mould and bacteria for the product’s entire lifespan.
Features and benefits include:
- BioCote® Silver Antimicrobial Technology: Provides continuous protection against bacteria and mould.
- High bond strength and flexibility: Effective for various applications.
- Anti-pick properties: Ideal for anti-ligature settings, such as schools or prisons.
- Solvent and isocyanate free: Safe and environmentally friendly.
- Low odour and no shrinkage: Enhances user experience and delivers precision.
- Non-corrosive: Suitable for diverse surfaces.
- Usable on damp surfaces: Versatile in different conditions.
- Paintable: Allows for customisation.
- High movement capability: Adapts to structural shifts.
- UV and weather resistant: Suitable for both internal and external use.
- Exceptional resistance: Withstands water, saltwater, grease, oils, defrosting liquids, detergents, fuels, weak acids, and alkali.
- Industry accredited: ISEGA approved for safe use in food contact areas.
This makes it ideal for a variety of sectors that need reliable, high-performing sealants with unparalleled hygienic credentials, including:
- Healthcare: Ensuring hygienic surfaces in hospitals and clinics.
- Cold/clean rooms: Maintaining sterility and cleanliness.
- Food preparation and storage: Enhancing hygiene in food-related environments.
- Manufacturing and air handling systems: Providing durable seals in industrial settings.
- Food transportation vehicles: Ensuring cleanliness and reducing chemical use.
What is BioCote® Silver Antimicrobial Technology? And how does it work?
Antimicrobial Technology is needed when bacteria and fungi attempt to make contact with a surface. Ultimately, it stops them from being able to replicate and keeps the spread of microorganisms to a minimum.
There are four ways antimicrobial technology can protect from microbes.
- Protein damage: Proteins are needed for biological systems of life. Damaging proteins causes the failure of functions such as energy production.
- Cell membrane damage: This disrupts the structural integrity of the microbe, resulting in a leakage of essential nutrients.
- Oxidative damage: Antimicrobials cause raised levels of reactive oxygen species, which means the bacteria’s internal systems are damaged.
- DNA Interference: A disruption in the microbe’s genetic material stops it being able to spread and replicate.
HygieneSeal AG contains BioCote®silver ion additives. These composite silver compounds provide products with superior protection against odour, staining and material degrading microbes. Silver ion is suitable for use in a broad variety of paints, coatings, textiles, polymers and other materials. It has an excellent adhesion to glass, coated timber, brickwork and polycarbonate.
When HygieneSeal AG is applied, cells are compromised and neutralised by the additive. This technology is proven to be up to 99.9% effective against bacteria and fungi, providing high levels of protection and ensuring a more hygienic environment wherever our sealant is applied.
What other HY-SPEC products use BioCote® technology?
HS30 is also a hybrid but offers greater flexibility. A one-part, neutral-cure adhesive sealant based on Hodgson HY-SPEC Polymer Technology, it is ideal for sealing and bonding internal and external joints in a variety of construction and industrial assembly applications where long-lasting flexibility is crucial.
HS30 is marketed to vehicle and leisure manufacturers, with significant benefits for cold storage vehicles and food delivery vans by enhancing cleanliness and reducing the need for chemicals.
Want to know more? Check out our HygienesealAG product page or details on our HS30 product.
