The thermal laminating film uses silver ion technology and while it has so far only been tested to ISO 22196 for its antibacterial properties, where it reduced bacteria levels by 99%, it’s currently being tested for its antimicrobial properties.

GIF managing director Sandro Mosquera said: “Unfortunately in the climate we now find ourselves in we need to take as many precautions as we can. Any product like this one, which offers some protection against bacteria, has to be a good thing.

“So, as exclusive distributors, we’re understandably delighted to be bringing this industry leading lamination film to the UK. This sits well with us also now supplying PPE to help many of our customers.”

The BOPP (Polypropylene) film is manufactured by a GIF partner and is available exclusively in the UK via the Buckinghamshire supplier.

According to the company the film’s antibacterial properties remain effective for the lifetime of the product it’s used on as the treatment is impregnated into the laminating film and does not wear away with use.

Applications include menus, brochures, business and greetings cards, and medical documents.

The new film runs exactly the same is GIFs conventional thermal products, requiring no set up adjustments, and is available in gloss thicknesses of 15mic and 24mic and 15mic and 27mic in matt. Standard widths are 315, 440, 445, 510, 630, 710, 890, and 1,010mm, but is also available in bespoke widths.

According to Mosquera, the antibacterial film is around two-and-a-half times more expensive than a standard film.