A study carried out for Microban Europe shows that 82% of people share stationery and office equipment at home, 77% at work and 53% at their college or university.

Paul McDonnell, managing director at Microban Europe said: “The survey shows that there is clearly extensive sharing of stationery and office equipment and, where this happens, there is always potential for bacterial cross contamination from person to surface to person.”

Microban Europe’s research also indicates that consumers would have a high level of interest in stationery and office equipment with built in antibacterial protection. For example, 54% would be “interested” or “very interested” in buying a computer mouse or keyboard using Microban, while 48% would show a similar preference to pens.
 

McDonnell added: “Although we already work with some stationery and office equipment companies, there is clearly considerable potential for increased use of antibacterial technology in this market sector based on the consumer research.”

On untreated surfaces such as stationery and office equipment, bacteria can potentially double in number in 20 minutes but Microban says its technology disrupts their functioning, usually causing them to die within 24 hours.