Sterishield's active silver-based bactericide ensures total hygiene in kitchens and healthcare facilities

Dubai, UAE, March 13, 2007: Dulux Paints has launched 'Sterishield' a new range of water based coatings designed to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria on walls and ceilings. The new product is expected to attract customers in the medical and hospitality sectors.

"We have seen in the UK and other parts of Europe that the MRSA super bug is serious threat to health. Globally, the spread of harmful bacteria is a major concern for all hospitals and clinical institutes," said AGLP General Manager Philip Mathew.

 Last year alone, about 100 official cases of community MRSA, a potentially life threatening bacterial infection, were registered in the UK with the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Around 25 per cent of the population are permanent carriers of the bacteria Staphylococcus Aureus for unknown reasons and between 20 - 30 per cent carry it up their nose all of the time.[1]

In view of current happenings, a top official of Al Gurg Leigh Paints (AGLP) said that Dulux Sterishield has been launched at the right time and will prove an effective defence for healthcare facilities and other public places in the region which seek total hygiene control.

"Dulux Sterishield is already proving to be a popular choice among healthcare facilities worldwide and we are confident to emulate its success here, "added Matthew.

Available in a wide range of colours in Diamond Matt and Eggshell finishes, Dulux Sterishield is a revolutionary new water-based paint, developed to promote a more hygienic environment. Sterishield's effectiveness lies in its active silver-based bactericide formula that combines with the durable and washable nature of the paint film.

Launched last year in Europe, Dulux Sterishield has been independently tested in real-life conditions created to assess its impact on harmful bacteria such as MRSA, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In all cases Sterishield demonstrated a dramatic rate of decline in bacteria population compared to standard paint.

Independent laboratory tests in the UK have shown that even after 12 hours, 99 per cent of bacteria are eliminated on contact with Sterishield, compared to regular paint. After 24 hours, bacteria are still detectable on standard paint but not on Sterishield, according to the hosts.

Dulux Sterishield is notified under the Biocidal Products Directive for Product Type 2 standard and is designed especially to prevent bacteria-related problems, while assuring durability and an outstanding finish.

Customers can also choose and create their own colour shade using the Dulux tinting system. The Sterishield range is suitable for both exterior and interior use and can be applied on concrete, plaster and wood.

-Ends-

Notes to the Editor:
Al Gurg Leigh's Paints (AGLP) was established in Sharjah in 1988 to manufacture a wide range of industrial and decorative coatings. The protective coatings for the industrial, marine and petrochemical industry, including coatings for fire protection, are manufactured under licence from Leigh's Paints, UK. High quality Dulux decorative paints are manufactured under licence from ICI Paints, UK.

Al Gurg Leigh's Paints operates a regional technical laboratory equipped with the latest R&D and analysis equipment. Al Gurg Leigh's Paints is a member of the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group of Companies. 

The Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group was founded by H.E Easa Saleh Al Gurg CBE in 1960. Today the group is associated with over 20 brands such as British American Tobacco, Unilever, Dunlop, Siemens, United Colors of Benetton, and Burmah Castrol.

For more information, please contact:
Amna Saqib
Asst. Manager, Colour & Design Development
ICI Dulux Paints  (Al Gurg Leigh Paints LLC)
Tel: (04) 3442525
Fax: (04) 3447473
E.mail: enquiries@algurgleighpaint.ae

© Press Release 2007