"Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs."
Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development: Our Common Future (1987)
Sustainability has become an underlying narrative of the 21st century. Conceptualised by the United Nations in 1983, sustainable development now dominates long term environmental strategies that are addressing issues such as climate change, plastic pollution and biodiversity loss.
Product design is at the forefront of modern-day sustainability initiatives. Life cycle assessments are characterising changes in legislation, prompting manufacturers to reconsider raw materials and supply chain management. Growing consumer demand for more eco-friendly products is also placing greater emphasis on product purpose as opposed to performance.
What is the Right to Repair Movement?
Between 2004 and 2012, the proportion of major household appliances that died within five years rose from 3.5% to 8.3%. This triggered rising consumer frustration that firms aren’t creating products that are built to last. As a consequence, environment ministers initiated the Right to Repair movement. This proposed legislation aims to force manufacturers into making more environmentally sustainable products that are easily repairable.
This shift of engineering towards designing for durability instead of disposability will require manufacturers to utilise higher quality materials. The Circular Design Guide claims disruptive technologies are now challenging established business models. As designers seek alternative ways to prolong product life expectancy, such technologies include antimicrobial innovations that support environmentally friendly product design.
How Can Microban® Antimicrobial Technology Help You Create More Sustainable Products?
At Microban®, we strive to develop innovative technologies that imbue consumer, commercial, healthcare and building products with added sustainability. Proven to inhibit the growth of damaging microorganisms and absorb smells, Microban® antimicrobial solutions extend the useful lifespan of products. This built-in benefit can translate into less laundering, decreased energy consumption and reduced wastage.
Increase Material Durability
Microban® is proven to resist the growth of microbes that can cause staining, bad odours and premature product degradation. As such, products created with our built-in antimicrobial protection are inherently more durable than those without.
Go Clean-to-Green
If a product becomes stinky or stained, consumers are more likely to toss it out. Products with Microban® antimicrobial technologies remain inherently fresher and cleaner for longer. This means they are less likely to end up in landfills and oceans.
Save Time, Money and Resources
Products protected with enduring Microban® protection remain stink-free for longer. This allows users to wash treated items less often, helping to conserve water, electricity and other valuable resources.
Help Tackle Plastic Pollution
Historic consumer demand for products that are cheap, fast and easy has largely contributed to a culture of ‘plastic flippancy’. This has resulted in 12 million tonnes of discarded plastic ending up in our oceans every single year.
Microban® antimicrobial protection is proven increase the durability of plastics. A treated plastic product is less likely to break or crack under recommended usage conditions. This serves to increase its shelf-life and reduces the risk of premature disposal. It also helps to preserve natural resources and improves quality of life for vulnerable marine animals.
Benefit from Unique Carrier Systems
Microban® technologies are bound into materials during a product's manufacture, making the potential for leaching negligible. This means that the compounds in our technologies don’t end up in water systems.
Capitalise on Certified Technologies
As a part of our commitment to achieving a more sustainable future, Microban® only offers the highest quality solutions. Our technologies are registered with the EU Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). We even have certifications from Bluesign® and Okeo-Tex®.
Why Should You Partner with Microban®?
Microban® is an established ingredient brand committed to promoting economic growth through environmentally sustainable products. Our antimicrobial technologies act as intrinsic differentiators that communicate value to consumers worldwide. We also offer unbeatable turnkey support services that have become an extension of well-known businesses.
Many industry leaders have already partnered with Microban to create superior antimicrobial products. Key brand partners include Rubbermaid, Whirlpool, Petmate, Quickie and Speck.
If you are a manufacturer in search of a strategic innovation partner, be sure to partner with someone committed to your success. In an age where consumers are more likely to consider brands which represent a business standard, it’s important to look beyond product performance and focus more on product purpose.
Contact us today to discover how we can help you achieve your sustainable development goals.
