What is BioLam™?
BioLam™ is a thermal lamination film that is enhanced with the antimicrobial protection of AgION technologies. The BioLam™ technology is available on a 1.8 mil., 3 mil., and 5 mil. laminations.
Why worry about bacteria?
We are surrounded by a multitude of dangerous microscopic organisms. One bacterium can produce a million times in just one hour. Some bacteria can survive on documents for months. BioLam™ was specifically developed to effectively control against the growth of unwanted microorganisms on laminate documents.
Who needs BioLam™?
Individuals working in medical and scientific settings, restaurants and food service, schools or other settings are potentially exposed to higher concentrations of bacteria. In environments such as these, individuals must use extra care to ensure that contamination sources are controlled. BioLam™ provides an added line of defense against the growth of unwanted bacteria.
What is Antimicrobial?
Antimicrobials are products that inhibit the growth and reproduction of germs, bacteria, mold and fungi. There are many types of antimicrobial products, but BioLam™ is the only laminating film that incorporates the natural protection of silver as an antimicrobial agent. Silver is effective against the broadest range of bacteria.
How does it work?
BioLam™ incorporates AgION’s silver based antimicrobial agent. When microorganisms are exposed to the antimicrobial agent, the lifecycle processes of the organism are interrupted and the organism’s reproductive capabilities are affected.
Is BioLam™ safe?
Yes it is. Studies have shown AgION’s antimicrobial agent to be less toxic than table salt. Silver, the antimicrobial agent that is used in BioLam™, has been used for centuries in medical applications and to protect various food products from spoilage. The earliest record of silver use was in 79 AD where it was used for long-term water storage. Today, silver is used to control bacteria growth in extremely susceptible medical environments such as burn wards, and on “in body” medical devices.
How long will the antimicrobial protection last on my laminated document?
Current testing suggests that the active AgION ingredient in BioLam™ will not wear off with cleaning or use. In fact, under normal conditions, the laminated piece will most likely wear out or become outdated before the active antimicrobial becomes ineffective.
Is the antimicrobial agent in BioLam™ regulated and approved?
Yes. The AgION antimicrobials are EPA registered for a broad range of uses, including food and water contact, HVAC toys and toothbrushes. They are FDA-listed under the FDA food contact substance notification for use in all types of food contact polymers in 21-CFR, parts 714-186. They are listed on USDA list of non-food compounds maintained by NSF for food processing plants. They are CTFA approved additive on the cosmetic, toiletry and fragrance association inventory.
Will BioLam™ protect me from illness?
No it will not. AgION antimicrobials are EPA registered as a preservative and bacteriostatic agent. Under EPA regulations, the antimicrobial may be incorporated into BioLam for the sole purpose of protecting the laminated article from the spread of unwanted bacteria, fungi, mold, and mildew. BioLam™ reduces the likelihood that the bacteria will be transferred to others through frequently handled documents.
Will BioLam™ contribute to the developing of resistant bacteria?
No. The BioLam™, with AgION’s antimicrobial agent is completely inorganic and has not been linked to the adaptive resistance seen with organic materials like antibiotics.
What organisms will BioLam™ kill?
The EPA prohibits listing specific health claims that indicate which microorganisms BioLam™ will kill. AgION’s antimicrobial has been shown to be effective against a broad spectrum of many common bacteria typically found in food service, hospitals, and clinics, dental offices, schools and day care facilities.
Is BioLam™ more expensive than standard laminating films?
Yes, the added benefits of BioLam™ are at a higher price. If maintaining a hygienic environment is important, the added costs of BioLam™ far outweigh the additional expense.
Ward Kraft Inc.
ShortRun Division
2400 Liberty Bell Road
Fort Scott, KS 66701
800-821-4021 ext. 4105
