Sharklet

FLEXcon Advances Biomimetic Technologies with Successful Film Application
in Collaboration with Sharklet Technologies

Market Leader Enables Development of Groundbreaking Bacteria-Inhibiting Film

Spencer, Mass. – August 30, 2011 FLEXcon, an innovator in adhesive coating and laminating, today announced that it is successfully supporting biomimetic technologies in partnership with Sharklet Technologies. The collaboration between the two market leaders and use of FLEXcon’s capabilities, has allowed Sharklet Technologies to create the world’s first technology that inhibits bacterial growth through a chemical-free micro-texture. The surface protection product will be used in environments where bacteria pose a health risk.

Sharklet Technologies’ core technology, Sharklet™, is inspired by the microbe-resistant properties of sharkskin and is the first no-kill, non-toxic and environmentally-friendly surface designed to inhibit bacterial growth. Sharklet Technologies selected FLEXcon because the film specialist proved to be the only manufacturer that could successfully image the patented, microscopic texture on film in large production rolls. Leveraging FLEXcon’s half century of experience, Sharklet maintains confidence that the millions of microscopic features will be replicated with high fidelity. Each Sharklet micro-feature in the Sharklet pattern must be manufactured to a specific height, width and depth in order to create a surface that bacteria find inhospitable for growth.

“FLEXcon’s application expertise, technology leadership and collaborative spirit have enabled Sharklet Technologies to innovate and bring this revolutionary product to market,” said Mark Spiecker, chief executive officer at Sharklet Technologies. “We are appreciative to have a strong relationship with FLEXcon who not only manufactures our technology with precision, but satisfies our rigorous demands for quality and quantity. This success provides a foundation for future Sharklet-patterned products which are intended to revolutionize the way humans and microbes co-exist.”

Sharklet Technologies’ film-based surface protection products can be applied to germ-prone surfaces to reduce the presence of bacteria. These films can be converted into adhesive-backed “skins” for application to high-touch, bacteria-prone areas such as hospital surfaces, public restrooms, childcare facilities, commercial venues, laboratories and animal research facilities. The film may also be manufactured into the top layer of workspace mats to create immediate and moveable surface protection.

LGInternational , a Portland-Ore.-based manufacturer of bacteria inhibition products, designed to protect environmental surfaces and decrease bacterial attachment, survival, and touch transference, is the first company to sell a bacteria-inhibiting film-based product under the  Tactivex™ brand. Tactivex has been deployed into healthcare facilities, research laboratories and other settings where bacterial inhibition is desired.

“Thanks to FLEXcon and Sharklet Technologies’ collaborative effort, we are able to bring our Tactivex products with the Sharklet pattern to market, to address a primary need in environmental hygiene – keeping surfaces cleaner between cleanings without the use of chemistries and toxins,” says Mike Martin, president and owner,  LGInternational. “We are excited to bring Tactivex Mats and Skins to market and emphasize the value of this revolutionary approach to bacterial control.”

“FLEXcon is known for innovating and developing solutions that meet our customers’ unique needs,” said William Sullivan, vice president, Performance Products, FLEXcon. “We’re now applying our expertise to the rapidly growing field of biomimicry and helping companies such as Sharklet Technologies and LGInternational propel their research and development, into market-ready products.  FLEXcon works closely with its customers and is highly adept at taking an idea from concept to reality.” 

About FLEXcon
FLEXcon is an innovator in adhesive coating, laminating and finishing of durable materials used in graphics applications, electronics and new products.  Through a culture of curiosity, flexibility and a drive for excellence, FLEXcon is the trusted partner to a wide range of companies from printers and fabricators to engineers and designers developing products for existing and emerging markets. Headquartered in Spencer, Mass. the company has operations throughout North America and Europe with distribution worldwide. For more information, visit www.FLEXcon.com or call 1-508-885-8200.

About Sharklet Technologies
Sharklet Technologies is a biotechnology company that develops surface technologies that are designed to inhibit microorganism growth to make the world a healthier, environmentally safer and better place. Inspired by the microbial-resistant properties of sharkskin, Sharklet™, the company’s core technology, is the world’s first micro-pattern developed to control bacteria including Staph, MRSA, VRE, E. coli and a host of others. Sharklet™ is suited for commercial, healthcare, food service and laboratory environments where bacterial inhibition is desired to help protect human health. The company is based at the Bioscience Park Center,an incubator in the Fitzsimons Life Science District adjacent to the renowned Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colo. Learn more about Sharklet at www.sharklet.com.

About LGInternational
LGInternational (LGI) develops advanced film solutions for the most demanding markets, including healthcare, semiconductor, storage media, life sciences, and electronics. LGI manufactures bacteria inhibition products designed to protect environmental surfaces and decrease bacterial attachment, survival, and touch transference. A strong commitment to research and innovation uniquely positions LGI to provide value to its customers through the discovery of new and better ways of using materials and technology to solve tough problems. For more information, call 1-800-345-0534 or visit www.lgintl.com. Tactivex bacterial inhibition products are sold exclusively by LGI and its authorized distributors. Learn more about Tactivex at www.tactivex.com. 

Media Contact
Kyla Ruane   
flexcon@pancomm.com
978-474-1900