Background

Antibacterial materials are widely used in various industries as people have become more concerned with hygiene and health. In particular, stationery products are often used and shared. This makes them susceptible to bacterial contamination. Antibacterial agents can be incorporated into stationery products to reduce the spread of bacteria. This will enhance the product’s value and make it more competitive on the market.

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1. Bacterial Hazards in Stationery

Every day, students and office workers utilize a variety of stationery products, including pens, erasers and rulers. Cross-contamination is possible because these items are shared by multiple users and used for extended periods of time. The bacteria Escherichia Coli (E.coli) and Staphylococcus Aureus, can survive for many hours or days on stationary surfaces. Children and teens, whose immunity systems are still developing, are more susceptible to bacterial infections.

2. Types and characteristics of antibacterial agents

Stationery products commonly used to combat bacteria can be divided into three categories: organic antibacterial agents (organic antibacterial agents), inorganic antibacterial agent, and natural antibacterial agent.

1. Inorganic Antibacterial Agents
   • Main components: silver ions, copper ions, zinc ions
   • Mechanism : Disrupt the bacterial cell membranes, or inhibit enzyme activity to kill bacteria or prevent their growth.
   • Characteristics High temperature resistance, stable antibacterial effect with long-lasting duration, safe for human usage
   • Materials that are Applicable: Plastics (including silicone), rubber, paper and coatings
2. Organic Antibacterial Agents
   • Main components: Quaternary Ammonium compounds (QAC), phenols and triclosan
   • Mechanism : Disrupt the cell walls of microorganisms or interfere with metabolic processes
   • Characteristics Fast-acting Antibacterial Effect, but Some Organic Antibacterial Agents May Pose Safety Risks (e.g. triclosan may have environmental concerns).
   • Materials that are Applicable: Inks and plastic products
3. Natural Antibacterial Agents
   • Components : Polyphenols from tea, chitosan and plant extracts such as rosemary or citric acid.
   • Mechanism : Antioxidant properties, or inhibition of bacterial replication
   • Characteristics Environmentally friendly, but not as long-lasting or effective as inorganic antibacterial agents
   • Materials: eco-friendly paper and wooden stationery

3. Antibacterial agents in stationery

1. Antibacterial Pens
   • Antibacterial agents such as silver or zinc ion can be added to barrels and cap of pens in order to reduce the growth of bacteria.
   • Ideal for students’ stationery such as ballpoint pens, pencils and markers.
   • Some brands sell antibacterial pens which meet ISO 22196 standards and can inhibit bacterial growth in 24 hours.
2. Antibacterial Book Covers & Folders
   • Antibacterial treated PVC or PP to prevent bacteria growth over long periods of storage.
   • Ideal for use in schools and offices
   • Transparent book covers with antibacterial inorganic agents provide durability without altering appearance.
3. Antibacterial Erasers
   • Safety is a priority for children who often touch erasers and may even put them into their mouths.
   • Silver-based antibacterial agents can be used in erasers to reduce bacteria and ensure safety.
4. Antibacterial Plastic Rulers & Scissors
   • Antibacterial plastic rulers and scissors with antibacterial treatment are a great way to reduce the risk of contamination in offices and classrooms.
   • Ideal for use in schools, hospitals, public institutions and other facilities.
5. Antibacterial Printing Paper and Notebooks
   • The use of natural antibacterial agents, such as chitosan, can help reduce the adhesion of bacteria to paper surfaces.
   • Ideal for hospitals and high-hygiene environments such as kindergartens.

4. Antibacterial Stationery Market Trends and Prospects

Globally, the market for antibacterial products has grown steadily. This is due to an increase in consumer demand, particularly after the COVID-19 epidemic. Future trends in antibacterial stationary include:

1. Combines eco-friendly and antibacterial properties
   • Develop antibacterial stationery with biodegradable materials, such as PLA, combined with inorganic agents to benefit both the environment and human health.
2. Advanced Antibacterial Technologies
   • Photocatalytic antibacterial material that inhibits bacterial growth when exposed to light.
3. Expansion in Children’s and Medical Fields
   • Introduce safer and more effective stationery products such as antibacterial picturebooks and medical record books for children and the medical industry.

5. Conclusion

Antibacterial agents are used in stationery to reduce the spread of bacteria, protect the health of users and increase the competitiveness. Stationery is embracing inorganic antibacterial agents because of their efficiency, durability and safety. The antibacterial stationery industry is expected to grow and expand as consumers continue to place a high priority on health and hygiene.