June 12

PRESS RELEASE

Nearly five million bacteria found on single wet razor handle in new research

Nearly five million bacteria have been found on a single disposable wet razor handle in new laboratory research.

As comparisons, typical levels of bacteria on household objects include 50 colony forming units per square inch - the standard scientific way of counting bacteria - on a computer mouse, 214 on microwave oven buttons, 2,110 on a pet food bowl and 134,630 on a kitchen cloth.*

The testing was carried out by antibacterial technology specialist Microban Europe as part of an investigation into the amount of bacteria on wet shaving equipment.

It is accepted that the presence of bacteria such asstreptococciorstaphylococcican be a problem for both men and women following shaving on the face or body as they can lead to shaving rashes caused by bacterial infection and consequent irritation of hair follicles.

A wide range of results were found in Microban's research with between 300 and 4.9 million CFUs on wet shave disposable razor handles and 220 and 160,000 on their non-disposable versions, as well as between 100 and 4.9 million on razor cartridges.

Paul McDonnell, Managing Director at Microban Europe, explained that wet shave razors were regularly exposed to bacteria and mould which, given conditions found in warm humid bathrooms, meant they could double in number in 20 minutes.

He said: "Bacteria is a recognised issue in wet shaving and the results of our research shows that there is potentially an issue surrounding wet shave razors.

"Because of heat and moisture, bathrooms are ideal breeding grounds for bacteria. While the results did cover a wide range, the fact that one of the swabs showed 4.9 million CFU on one of the razor blade handles underlines the potential problem.

"However, we have a range of antibacterial technologies that could be built into wet razors and blade cartridges at the point of manufacture that are highly effective at killing bacteria and which do not wash away or wear off."

New attitudinal research from Mircoban, undertaken by market research specialists Toluna, also showed that 76% of 505 consumers tested would be "interested" or "very interested" in wet shave razors with built in antibacterial protection and 95% of 392 surveyed would be "likely" or "very likely" to buy razors with similarly protected.

McDonnell continued: "We believe that there is an obvious opportunity for a manufacturer operating in the wet shave market for both men and women to create an ‘active bacteria control' range that includes antibacterial technology in not just the razor handle and cartridge but also in the formulation of the accompanying shaving foam or gel.

"This would bring about a high degree of product differentiation for the manufacturer by introducing measurable and consistent benefits for the consumer."

* From tests by the US Center for Disease Control.

Research notes

The scientific swab study was carried out using Tecra Enviroswabs, moistened with a 0.85% NaCI solution. Swabs were placed in a phosphate buffer that resists pH changes. The attitudinal survey was carried out online by Toluna for Microban.

About Microban Europe's antibacterial protection

On untreated products, bacteria can potentially double in number in 20 minutes but, with a wide range of antibacterial technologies to suit each specific application, Microban disrupts their functioning, usually causing them to die within 24 hours.

A dedicated certification programme ensures thatquality testing is regularly carried out on all products carrying the Microban branding and that antibacterial claims are technically supported.

This allows manufacturers utilising Microban to support robust statements about their efficacy - for example, "applied to the product at the point of manufacture preventing 99.9% of bacteria and odours, providing longer lasting freshness to textiles between launderings."

Microban Europe is the European division of Microban International, the global leader in built-in antibacterial product protection which is dedicated to the continuous development of durable antibacterial solutions for consumer, industrial and medical products around the world. It offers a range of more than 20 different antibacterial technologies, holds more than 126 patents and conducts more than 40,000 laboratory tests annually to underpin technical efficacy.

The company has licensed its technologies to more than 250 partners worldwide including such brands as Whirlpool, Bissell, Rubbermaid, Tefal, Dupont® Reebok and many others who have incorporated Microban antibacterial protection into more than 1,000 products.

Microban Europe has headquarters in Cannock, Staffordshire, United Kingdom, and also has operations in Germany, Italy and France. Microban International is headquartered in Huntersville, North Carolina, United States, and has an Asian office based in Hong Kong and a South American office in Brazil.

Note to editors

This press release is designed for use in European territories.

For further information please call Simon Wells at Paperchase Public Relations on 01283 711311 / 07768 912430 or e-mailsimon@paperchasepr.co.uk.

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