ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

An antibacterial hand towel said to kill more than 99.99 percent of harmful bacteria on contact has won a US award for innovation.

Manufacturers of Cascades Antibacterial Paper Towels received a gold Edison award this spring. The towel, launched in October 2012, contains an active antibacterial ingredient that is released on to the hands as they are dried. This is said to carry on working for 30 minutes after contact.

Cascades claims the towel can help to reduce the risk of cross-contamination when the hands later come into contact with other people or with hard surfaces such as taps or doorknobs.

"We're incredibly proud of this product and pleased to receive this distinguished honor," said Suzanne Blanchet, Cascades Tissue Group CEO. "Eighty percent of infections are transmitted by the hands so we believe this innovation can have a significant impact on overall public health."

Candidates for the award were judged by an international panel of more than 3,000 business executives, academics and industry leaders. Cascades' award was in the Consumer Packaged Goods: Cleaning Solutions category.

The company's towels are made from 100 per cent recycled fibre and are aimed at various hygiene-sensitive sectors including healthcare, food service, food processing and education.

The complete list of winners of the 2013 Edison Awards, which celebrate new products and services from around the world in the spirit of Thomas Edison, were announced at a Chicago ceremony that was attended by 400 international business leaders.