Polygiene antibacterial technology provides for a healthier stay at the Milan Hilton Hotel

As part of its ongoing pursuit to provide clientele with a safe as well as comfortable environment, the Hilton Milan has outfitted the bathrooms of its 319 suites and executive rooms with toilet seats made using Polygiene® technology. Developed by Perstorp AB, a world leader in niche specialty chemicals and materials markets, Polygiene is an antibacterial and antiviral technology that breaks the transmission path of disease by killing bacteria, yeasts and viruses on contact. Its effectiveness has been proven against a range of pathogens including Escherichia Coli and the pervasive MRSA superbug. Moreover, products incorporating Polygiene are the first known to kill the SARS virus on contact.

With already vast and growing numbers of people engaged in continental and intercontinental travel, the potential for the rapid spread of infections is constantly increasing and the bathroom and toilet facilities of hotels and hospitality venues are frontline transmission points. Even after thorough cleaning, bacteria and viruses can survive for long periods in the humid environment of a hotel bathroom, where these harmful micro-organisms can be transmitted from guest to guest and among staff. Transmission can result simply from touching fittings such as toilet seats, dispensers, sanitary bins, light switches, door handles and handrails.

In recognising this risk the Hilton Milan is the first hotel in the world to introduce the safeguard of toilet seats incorporating Polygiene technology. According to Hilton Milan General Manager, Dennis Zambon: “On learning about it I was convinced of the benefits Polygiene could add to the care of our guests. As General Manager safeguarding the health of guests and staff is one of my responsibilities but one to which I give a very high priority and this made the decision to introduce toilet seats made with Polygiene an easy one to take”.

Polygiene technology is based on the incorporation of silver ions into products. Silver is a natural element well known for its ability to purify and to protect against disease and infection. The technology provides for a continuous migration of silver ions to a product’s contact surface from where they attack all bacteria and viruses. The process is invisible and remains active throughout the lifetime of the product, even when damaged or worn, unlike coatings or surface treatments. However, Polygiene is not a substitute for good cleaning and hygiene, it reinforces these practices.