The film was launched this week and is available exclusively in the UK from Antalis.
The film is made of embossed polyester, around 0.15mm thick with a 25 micron solvent acrylic adhesive layer. It is made of textured PET with an anti-bacterial coating and contains UV stabilisers, which Drytac said prevents film degradation and provides UV protection to the underlying image.
Its reverse side is coated with pressure-sensitive solvent acrylic adhesive, protected with a siliconised polyester release liner.
Ideal for preventing the growth and spread of bacteria from touch surfaces, the film protects against the likes of MRSA, E. coli and salmonella.
Antalis said that pricing would be in line with a technically engineered product, which is used in such a demanding environment where the consequences of failure can cause major issues.
“We’d been researching this for a number of years, which is the best way to come up with a product that is stable in the market,” said Drytac European and Asia sales director Steve Broad.
“There are a lot of films out there that will give you a coating for a certain period of time but with this being embedded in the film itself it gives you a lot of durability, it’s there to withstand a lot of the cleaning that goes on in areas that need to be clean.
“Protecting the actual image or substrate is hard but this is different as it’s not only protecting the image but it also gives you that cleanliness.”
Primarily intended for use in the likes of hospitals, schools, restaurants and community buildings, Broad said that he could also see a commercial use for Protac, on the likes of placemats and POP displays.
Drytac has launched a number of new products recently, including a new film for short-pile carpet graphics and an updated Emerytex laminating film. The Bristol-headquartered 140-staff group has outposts in the US and Canada, with UK sales of around £12m.
The films will be on show alongside a raft of other products on Antalis’ stand at next week’s Sign & Digital, which is being held at the NEC, Birmingham.
