The "antimicrobial" coatings can be applied to most substrates and used in all major printing methods such as flexo, gravure and UV, according to the multinational firm, which has several UK bases.

"The Biomaster technology works via release of silver ions that safely inhibit bacteria growth," said commercial director Mark Sutton.

"Properties of silver have been known for hundreds of years and gave birth the saying 'born with a silver spoon in the mouth' – people fed on silver were generally healthier.

"Our technology has a much stronger concentration of ions, making it more effective. You can incorporate it in any form of ink or coating.

"Consequently, they only need to be used in small amounts. The results are impressive, reducing bacteria levels by 99.99%.

"The inorganic nature, small particle size and high temperature tolerance of the product makes it ideal in the production of antibacterial coatings for hospitals, worktops or keyboards."

Biomaster products contain typically 10 times more silver than any other silver biocides on the market, he said.