BCF press release - Anti-viral surfaces could tackle COVID-19 crisis

Anti-viral surfaces could tackle COVID-19 crisis

Some of the world’s leading coatings specialists gathered virtually at the Royal Society of Chemistry to discuss how special surface technologies could be used to tackle the global COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 130 academics, technical industry specialists and representatives of major healthcare and transport organisations remotely gathered at the event hosted in collaboration with the British Coatings Federation, the UK Trade Association representing paints, coatings, printing inks and wallcoverings manufacturers and suppliers in the UK. The webinar set out to identify the challenges and share knowledge on techniques that could prevent the spread of infection, both in the present and the future.

Anti-viral coatings contain agents that prevent microorganisms growing on the surfaces of materials, and are increasingly being researched for potential use in clinics, industry and domestic environments. As well as technical challenges, there are regulatory hurdles that need to be overcome before these materials could be deployed in public spaces.

Helen Pain, Acting CEO of the Royal Society of Chemistry said: “Bringing together the biggest and brightest names in materials research to tackle this issue is of paramount importance, especially now, and we are proud to be able to facilitate this level of discussion. While we already have a number of technologies and techniques at our disposal, there is a clear need to accelerate research output and this meeting represented a crucial step towards advancing that.”

“It’s crucial that the direction taken from here is representative of the diverse range of views and experience from across the anti-viral community, which is why we are calling on anyone with relevant insights to join our Surface Coatings Interest Group as we further these discussions.”

The event was led by Stuart Clarke, Professor of Surface Science at Cambridge University and Chair of the Technical Committee of the Surface Coatings Interest Group, and hosted by Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation.

Professor Clarke said: “There is an acute need to provide new information and insight about anti-viral surfaces and coatings in the current climate, particularly to confirm antiviral behaviour and get appropriate products to market and into use promptly.

“The Surface Coatings Group is trying to connect individuals and organisations with relevant products to specialised anti-viral testing facilities. In the longer term, activities may centre on informed reformulation of products and even longer-term exploration of new anti-viral approaches.”

Tom Bowtell, CEO of the British Coatings Federation, said: “There has been a terrific response from our members, many of whom have products or technologies with the potential to address urgent needs in the current crisis.

“Tackling regulatory hurdles will be one of the major challenges for such bio-active technologies, and our regulatory affairs team will be actively engaging with the relevant authorities at UK and EU level to support the efforts of companies as an urgent priority.”

Advanced discussions are now continuing on a dedicated collaborative Slack platform, which remains open to new participants on request to the group secretary.

The Surface Coatings Group and British Coatings Federation (BCF) will continue to facilitate the connection of academic and industrial organisations to contribute to this important work.

ENDS

NOTES:

Royal Society of Chemistry

We are an international organisation connecting chemical scientists with each other, with other scientists, and with society as a whole. Founded in 1841 and based in London, UK, we have an international membership of over 50,000. We use the surplus from our global publishing and knowledge business to give thousands of chemical scientists the support and resources required to make vital advances in chemical knowledge. We develop, recognise and celebrate professional capabilities, and we bring people together to spark new ideas and new partnerships. We support teachers to inspire future generations of scientists, and we speak up to influence the people making decisions that affect us all. We are a catalyst for the chemistry that enriches our world.

British Coatings Federation

The British Coatings Federation is the sole UK Trade Association representing the interests of paint, printing ink and wallcovering manufacturers and suppliers in the UK. BCF's membership totals 250 companies, representing 95% of the industry, covering a wide range of small/medium sized enterprises as well as large multi-nationals.

Find out how to get involved in the Surface Coatings Interest Group at rsc.li/surfacecoatings  and become a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry at rsc.org/join.

To learn about the response of the Royal Society of Chemistry to the Covid-19 pandemic go to https://www.rsc.org/covid-19-response #ChemVSCovid

For further information and to discuss interview opportunities on behalf of the Royal Society of Chemistry, contact:

Steven Flanagan 0141 343 3250 / 07557 210 989 / sflanagan@webershandwick.com

Laura McLean 0141 343 3259 / 07583 078292 / LMclean@webershandwick.com