Footwear and sportswear materials are unfortunately excellent substrates for bacterial and fungal growth as micro-organisms thrive in warm, moist conditions. Traditionally leathers are very susceptible to micro-organisms leading to discolouration and deterioration of the fibre structure.

The warm, moist environment inside shoes (especially athletic shoes) and gloves promotes bacterial growth on the feet and hands. Odour is one by-product of the metabolic process of these bacteria (mainly corynebacteria and micrococci), which break down organic substances found on your skin, in your sweat or on your clothing. Some of these microorganisms that are commonly found on the skin can also cause diseases.

The picture below is a Scanning Electron Micrograph: bacteria on human skin Magnification: 24000 X

The only way to really prevent odour and disease is to completely kill the bacteria and incorporating anti-microbial products during leather processing allows this. These products are designed to enhance personal hygiene by killing or controlling bacteria levels that can cause odour, skin infections, intestinal illnesses or other commonly transmitted diseases.

As a result of increasing consumer demand, Packer Leather has recently developed MicrobloK, an innovative anti-microbial treatment for our leather productss. The technology uses state of the art, sophisticated inorganic chemistry to kill bacteria (and prevent leather deterioration) without unwanted toxicity.

MicrobloK is a revolutionary anti-microbial composite that prevents odour and disease causing microbes building up on the leather. MicrobloK is chemically and physically robust with a unique controlled release system ensuring anti-microbial properties remain for the lifetime of the leather.

MicrobloK treated leathers will withstand repeated washing, demonstrate superior durability and permanent freshness, allowing the user full confidence in this product.

ANTI-MICROBIAL ANALYSIS

	DESCRIPTION	S. Aureus % REDUCTION		K. Pneumoniae % REDUCTION
		24 hours	7 days	24 hours	7 days
	MicrobloK Treated Leather Sample	99.8%	99.9%	99.8%	99.9%
	Untreated Leather Sample	0%	0%	0%	0%

It is evident from the above data that Packer Leather’s MicrobloK is a very effective anti-microbial treatment for leather providing broad-spectrum activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Other technologies used in leather are very specific, making MicrobloK the perfect solution for your needs.

It should also be noted that MicrobloK is exceptionally safe to human beings. It does not migrate on to other substrates (including human skin) and is environmentally friendly.