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Our GARD™ technology is truly one of a kind and works to prevent harmful microorganisms from growing on products for 30-40 years! This antimicrobial technology is highly effective against MRSA, Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, staphylococcus, and dozens of dangerous microorganisms: including many gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. With GARD™, you’re armed to fight!
Added in a low ratio, our GARD™ technology relies on tried and true silver ion technology. The process is two-fold; when included into the packaging or plastic of a long-term product, the silver ions penetrate the cellular wall of the pathogen and destroy its DNA and reproductive abilities. This kills the pathogen and halts it from ever spreading.
After the original microorganisms have been destroyed, they become one of the good guys and begin attacking and killing any remaining pathogen cells, creating a domino effect.
Silver ion is an antimicrobial technology; it effectively disinfects and sterilizes. There are three ways silver can interact with microbe cells. For Smart Plastic’s technology, we are concerned with silver ions’ ability to neutralize harmful pathogens by disrupting the cells’ DNA and reproductive ability. Silver ions especially refer to silver atoms that exist in an ionic state.
Silver has been historically used to stop the spread of harmful diseases. Long ago, before the discovery of antibiotics, people learned that pathogens did not survive on silver and that using silver products kept water and food safe.
A microorganism is an organism that can be seen only through a microscope, meaning it is invisible to the naked eye.
Defining bacteria as gram-positive and gram-negative is based on the structure of bacterial cell walls. Gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria are bacteria that give a positive or negative result in a gram stain test. The staining result is determined in two ways, the thickness of the peptidoglycan layer and the presence or absence of the outer lipid membrane. A gram-positive bacteria are able to hold on to the color of the dye with its thick cell walls, whereas a gram-negative is not able to hold on to the color.
This technology is not new, so what makes GARD™ unique? The manner in which the silver ions are contained in the plastic holds the answer.
GARD™ Silver ions are non-migratory and contained in a static state, meaning they stay within the product for up to 40 years. Whereas most silver ion technology is migratory and eventually fizzles out of the product once it gets to the surface.
Hippocrates described silver’s antimicrobial powers in 400BC, during the Greek Classical period. Using silver’s power made a reappearance in the early 19th century as a way to prevent infection in wounds. It is now used in a wide array of applications to keep products fresh and lasting longer.
Surgical needs, water filtration systems, burn treatments, dentures, bandaids, toothbrushes, deodorants, washing machines and detergents, keyboards, and industrial-sized food machines, are all examples of products or systems that utilize the power of silver technology.
GARD™ Is added in at a 1-2% ratio which is financial advantageous. It works with all polymers and has a 30-40 year efficacy. GARD™ Uses a unique twist on trusted silver ion technology to destroy a variety of pathogens. This additive is direct food contact approved in both the U.S. and E.U.
GARD™ is compliant with the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS) Z 2801 standard. This standard is an antimicrobial surface method that tests for antimicrobial activity and efficacy. The JIS Z 2801 is equivalent to ISO 22196.
GARD™ can be used for many applications including the following:
We don't just talk the talk, at Smart Plastic we prove everything we say with credible third-party testing. Below you will find the corresponding tests that apply to all our claims.
