Şişecam's V-Block Technology against viruses and bacteria on glass surfaces

Şişecam has completed the approval and certification process from the Ministry of Health for its special V-Block coating technology that neutralizes viruses and bacteria. The Company plans to commence mass production of glassware products treated with Antimicrobial V-Block Technology at the start of 2021. These innovative products will initially be offered for sale in Turkey.

Şişecam developed the V-Block coating technology, which neutralizes viruses and bacteria on glass surfaces, to support the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of tests conducted by laboratories in Turkey authorized by the Ministry of Health have confirmed that the innovative technology is effective against many different viruses and bacteria, including the coronavirus. Şişecam completed the necessary official permission processes related to the certification, implementation and sales of V-Block Technology on December 15, 2020. This technology will primarily be used on select glassware products in Şişecam’s beverage and tabletop products group.

In his statement, Şişecam Vice Chairman and CEO Prof. Ahmet Kırman, expressed excitement on the company becoming the first global glass producer to apply V-Block Technology developed by Şişecam Science, Technology and Design Center on glassware products. He continued, “We believe that people will become less anxious about their health during the current pandemic thanks to the Antimicrobial V-Block Technology. This groundbreaking innovation serves our vision of being a company that makes a difference with its technologies and brands by developing creative solutions. Our products treated with Antimicrobial V-Block Technology, engineered with our 45 years of world class R&D know-how, will initially be offered in Turkey.”

Şişecam, a global industrial enterprise that operates in all core areas of glass production along with business lines covering soda and chromium compounds, completed the necessary official permission processes related to V-Block Technology on December 15, 2020.

This innovative technology, which neutralizes viruses and bacteria, was developed to support the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. The V-Block Technology was confirmed to be effective against many different viruses and bacteria – including the coronavirus – according to results of tests conducted by Ministry of Health authorized laboratories in Turkey. The groundbreaking coating technology will initially be applied on glassware products.

Şişecam will begin mass production of the world's first antimicrobial glassware products featuring V-Block Technology at the start of 2021. Initially, the Company plans to allocate 10% of its total glassware production capacity to manufacture V-Block coated products. Glassware products treated with V-Block Technology will initially be offered through retail stores in the Turkish market in addition to the catering and B2B sales channels.

Şişecam will significantly contribute to the battle against the global pandemic thanks to this revolutionary technology that resulted from combining the Company's long-standing innovation culture, superior R&D capabilities and production power.

In his statement, Şişecam Vice Chairman and CEO Prof. Ahmet Kırman said, “Şişecam delivers innovative solutions and value-added products to customers in more than 150 countries worldwide with its facilities in 14 countries spanning four continents. We have developed a pivotal invention – Antimicrobial V-Block Technology – to serve the fundamental needs of people during the global pandemic. During this extremely challenging time, we have continued our production and services without interruption while ensuring the health and well-being of our employees, business partners and customers. Şişecam also supports a large ecosystem via its products, services and applications. We execute all our processes, from raw materials to final products, in line with our sustainability strategy: Care for Next. As a company that embraces the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations, we also value the Antimicrobial V-Block Technology for its contribution to ensure a sustainable future. We are very pleased to actively support the battle against the pandemic in Turkey and across the entire world. Şişecam is proud to break new ground with its V-Block Technology that helps safeguard human health.”

Prof. Ahmet Kırman explained that glassware products equipped with Antimicrobial V-Block Technology would initially be offered in the Turkish market. He further added, “Products treated with Antimicrobial V-Block Technology respond to crucial needs during the pandemic. We are also considering manufacturing these innovative products at our overseas glassware production facilities, especially in Bulgaria, and selling them in other markets. Şişecam plans to apply this technology in its other business lines that focus on glass production and introduce them to the market after licensing procedures are completed. In the post-pandemic world order, we will respond rapidly to new emerging demands and needs in the market, and continue delivering our innovative technology and solutions to Şişecam customers.”  

24/7 Hygiene Thanks to the Special Formula

The revolutionary V-Block Technology developed by Şişecam Science, Technology and Design Center offers a hygienic experience 24/7 thanks to its special formula and application technique. The formula is applied on products via chemical vapor deposition under high temperatures during production. Due to its active nature, the coating is also ideal for use in spaces with high-contamination risk, such as hotels, restaurants, cafes, hospitals and cafeterias, as well as household use.

Results of tests conducted by laboratories in Turkey authorized by the Ministry of Health have confirmed that glassware products treated with Antimicrobial V-Block Technology are 99.5% effective against Staphylococcus Aureus, Escherichia Coli bacteria, 94.1% effective against the Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, 90% effective against Human Coronavirus 229E and Bovine Coronavirus, 99% effective against Poliovirus Type 1, and 99.5% effective against Adenovirus Type 5 and Murine Norovirus.