Cascades Tissue Group, Waterford, N.Y., USA, this week launched a new antibacterial paper towel, which it says redefines the hand towel's role in enhancing hygiene. The Cascades Antibacterial Paper Towel reportedly minimizes hand contamination by killing 99.99% of harmful bacteria almost instantly, unlike ordinary paper towels.
Since 80% of all infections are transmitted by hand, the lack of proper hand hygiene, in particular inadequate hand washing and drying practices, continues to be a consistent, if not deadly, problem, Cascades notes. The green-colored Cascades antibacterial towel can "fit anywhere, doesn't require additional steps, and compensates for people's imperfect hygiene habits without changing the way they wash or dry their hands," the company explains. The towel releases benzalkonium chloride when in contact with wet hands. This active ingredient has been around since 1935 and is safely used in common products, including gel sanitizers, baby wipes, and antiseptic skin solutions.
First cleared by Health Canada, the new Cascades' product now complies with the regulation and policies of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
"It's a first-of-a-kind product that eliminates residual bacteria almost instantly. Now everyone can help control the spread of bacteria," said Suzanne Blanchet, CEO of Cascades Tissue Group and product champion. "While this is a groundbreaking innovation, the Antibacterial Paper Towel makes good common sense as it relates to human health. We believe the product will revolutionize the paper towel's role in proper hygiene because of its efficacy and because it doesn't require a change of habits."
Cascades has performed several third-party laboratory tests to ensure the safety and efficacy on the new towel. Microbiologists also note that using the antibacterial towel in conjunction with washing hands with soap and water provides a more hygienic result than using alcohol-based gels and other hand sanitizers. While these products kill bacteria and are useful when there is no water and soap available, they don't remove the organic matter (grease, dirt, blood, fecal matter) often found on hands.
The Antibacterial Paper Towel contains 100% recycled fiber, and is made using five times less water than the North American paper industry average, according to Cascades Tissue Group. More information is available online.
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