FAQs

Can Viridis eliminate the virus which causes COVID-19?

Yes. The minimum requirement for a claim efficacy against coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the COVID-19 disease, is to pass EN 14476:2013 + A2:2019 against the vaccinia virus.

While Viridis has not been specifically tested against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the COVID-19 disease, it has met the requirement set by EU standards EN14476:2013 + A2:2019 which covers all enveloped viruses including the coronavirus.

From these results, Viridis is effective against all enveloped viruses and has met the minimum requirements set by EU standards to allow a claim to be made for effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

In addition, Viridis has been successfully tested against other, more robust, viruses. The Centre of Virus and Vaccine Research at Sunway University in Malaysia, led by Professor Poh Chit Laa, has been engaged by SurfaceTech to conduct a number of local tests of Viridis in various childcare and dental settings as well as on microorgainsms such as Methicillin Resistant Staphalococcus Aureas (MRSA), E Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, isolated from hospitals. In addition, Viridis was tested against Enterovirus 71A which causes the HFMD disease. Non-enveloped viruses such as EN-71A are difficult to inactivate, unlike enveloped viruses such as the coronavirus which is simpler and easier to kill. In the case of the coronavirus, the individual parts of the virus are held together by a lipid membrane with weak forces. That is why regular washing of hands with soap and water can break these parts up and destroy the virus.

What is residual efficacy?

Residual efficacy means that the product forms a barrier that protects against future contamination. This means that when you apply the product and let it dry, you are still protected even if you go on to touch a contaminated surface.

What does anti-microbial mean?

This refers to any chemical that destroys or controls microbes, while not harming higher species such as humans or animals. Microbes include bacteria, fungi or yeasts, algae or viruses.

How long can Viridis protect you? How long does it last?

On surfaces, we have found that the number of times a surface has been touched is more critical than the length of time. We found that even after rubbing a Viridis protected surface with wet and dry wipes ten times, it still possessed a strong antimicrobial barrier after 24 hours.

What do you mean by 99.999% effective?

Since microbes are so small, they usually exist in incredibly large numbers, counting into the millions. 99.999% effective means, that during a test starting with a million microbe cells, it was found that more than 99.999% of the cells did not survive (999 990). And the remaining 10 cells would be too little to detect reliably, which is why it cannot be 100%, only ‘more than 99.999%’.

Through independent lab testing, Viridis has been found to be 99.999% effective against a broad spectrum of viruses, bacteria, moulds and yeasts. Viridis has been tested against gram positive and gram negative bacteria and shown to kill at least 99.999% of bacteria. It was also successfully tested against antibiotic resistant bacteria (MRSA). It was also shown to be highly active against enveloped and non-enveloped viruses (like EV-71A).

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and various governments have recommended the usage of alcohol-based hand sanitisers as a preventive measure against the spread of infectious diseases. Why do you claim that water-based sanitisers are more effective?

While alcohol-based hand sanitisers may be effective, they evaporate completely very quickly. If not enough of the product is applied, they may even evaporate before all virus particles are destroyed.

On the other hand, Viridis actually stays on hands after drying and forms a residual barrier, providing protection for far longer. Furthermore, alcohol can dry out the skin while Viridis has been tested to be suitable for sensitive skin.

Can Viridis eliminate the virus which causes COVID-19?

Yes. The minimum requirement for a claim efficacy against coronaviruses, including the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the COVID-19 disease, is to pass EN 14476:2013 + A2:2019 against the vaccinia virus.

While Viridis has not been specifically tested against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus which causes the COVID-19 disease, it has met the requirement set by EU standards EN14476:2013 + A2:2019 which covers all enveloped viruses including the coronavirus.

From these results, Viridis is effective against all enveloped viruses and has met the minimum requirements set by EU standards to allow a claim to be made for effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.

In addition, Viridis has been successfully tested against other, more robust, viruses. The Centre of Virus and Vaccine Research at Sunway University in Malaysia, led by Professor Poh Chit Laa, has been engaged by SurfaceTech to conduct a number of local tests of Viridis in various childcare and dental settings as well as on microorgainsms such as Methicillin Resistant Staphalococcus Aureas (MRSA), E Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, isolated from hospitals. In addition, Viridis was tested against Enterovirus 71A which causes the HFMD disease. Non-enveloped viruses such as EN-71A are difficult to inactivate, unlike enveloped viruses such as the coronavirus which is simpler and easier to kill. In the case of the coronavirus, the individual parts of the virus are held together by a lipid membrane with weak forces. That is why regular washing of hands with soap and water can break these parts up and destroy the virus.

There are other surface disinfectants in the market that claim to offer residual protection for several months? Is this possible and how effective is this?

For surfaces that are not touched or otherwise disturbed for months, this could be possible. However, as soon as a surface is regularly touched and contaminated, the residual protection will be worn off and inactivated much quicker. Worse, some of these products form a permanent bond to the surface. This means that the surface could be permanently modified without any antimicrobial effectiveness left.

The WHO has advised that even soap and water can kill coronaviruses. Why are they easy to kill?

The coronavirus is an enveloped virus, consisting basically of a lipid bilayer with embedded proteins and the RNA genome in its centre. The individual components of the virus are held together by rather weak bonds. Soap (or surfactants in general) are very effective in dissolving the lipid bilayer and inactivating the virus in this way.

There are a lot of new disinfectant technologies and products being developed and introduced into the market. Some of them claim to provide protection on surfaces for several months. For example, it has been reported that some airports have been using this kind of technology for disinfecting, especially on lift buttons and doorknobs. How does it work and is it generally effective in terms of microbiocidal efficacy?

These products will work for a certain time, probably even for months if left untouched. However, if touched and contaminated, dirt will build upon the surface and hide any antimicrobial surface underneath. Therefore, the surface needs to be cleaned (preferably with detergents) regularly for the surface to stay clean. Since these products are typically positive charged surfactants (cationic) and detergents are typically negative charged surfactants (anionic), this will effectively neutralise the active ingredients on the surface. Worse, the surface is now permanently modified by the coating, even though it is not effective!

What are the differences between your hand sanitisers, multi-surface disinfectants and wet wipes?

Our hand sanitisers are specifically for hand hygiene, offering protection in the absence of soap and water. Our multi-surface and wet wipe disinfectants are applied on hard surfaces to kill pathogens and prevent recontamination.

What are the ingredients in Viridis? Are they safe?

Viridis contains three classes of ingredients: organic acids, solvents and non-ionic surfactants and more than 95% deionised water. The ingredients are all used in cosmetics and well-known to be safe. The active ingredients in Viridis were assessed by the European Biocide Product Committee and found to be safe and effective for hand sanitisation and surface disinfection.

What do you mean when you say that Viridis’ ingredients are biodegradable ?

Viridis’ main ingredient is lactic acid and this occurs naturally in the human body formed from the breakdown of glucose. Lactic acid biodegrades and does not remain as a fluid in sore muscles long after anaerobic exercise. 2- phenoxyethanol and surfactants break down within 28 days.

2-phenoxyethanol is listed as one of the ingredients. Some reports state that 2-phenoxyethanol could be harmful – is this true?

All ingredients in Viridis have been carefully-selected and tested for their safety profile and effectiveness. They have been selected to prevent any long term damage, while keeping the highest efficacy. 2-phenoxyethanol is well-known and used as an antiseptic in medicine – newborn babies have even been treated with it without adverse effects. The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has found it safe for use.

What is a surfactant? What surfactant is contained in Viridis? Why is it important ?

In short, a surfactant is a molecule that lowers the surface tension of a liquid and binds equally well to oils and water. This ability allows surfactants to remove dirt very well, which is why it’s the basis for soaps and detergents. In Viridis, we have a surfactant (lauramine oxide) to help the active ingredients with killing and inactivating microbes. Against enveloped viruses, like the coronavirus, surfactants are highly effective in disassembling the virus particle and encapsulating its individual components. This is why the WHO recommends hand washing with soap over using alcohol for disinfection against coronaviruses.

Viridis contains a surfactant which is basically a detergent (similar to soap) which has the ability to dissolve fat and grease. In addition to its other active ingredient, the surfactant on its own appears to be sufficient in dissolving the outer lipid membrane of the coronavirus . Does this capability not make Viridis extra effective in killing coronaviruses ?

Yes. Viridis is also very effective against gram-negative bacteria (e.g. E.Coli), which have a more complex cell wall structure as compared to coronaviruses.

What is the difference between Viridis and other water-based products with quarternary ammonium compounds (quats), chlorides, hydrogen peroxide etc?

Other water-based (hand-) sanitisers often contain so-called ‘quats’ as the active ingredient. These generally work slower and are less effective as compared to Viridis. Worse, ‘quats’ are known to cause reproductive issues [Reproductive Toxicology Volume 59, January 2016, Pages 159-166]. Using these on a regular basis on the skin or around the household is not recommended, and their use is severely limited to certain industries, for example in the food industry, for consumer safety reasons.

Why is hydrogen peroxide, which is an ingredient in other disinfectants, dangerous? Is it effective?

Hydrogen peroxide is dangerous for a number of reasons:

First, it is a strong oxidizer, which is why it is also used to bleach. As such, it can be corrosive to many surface materials – it can react violently with other chemicals and stringent safety measures are necessary, especially if handling concentrated liquid.

Second, it can lose potency over time, making it ineffective.

Third, it generally requires long contact times or higher, more dangerous concentrations to be effective.

Vaporised hydrogen peroxide is also often used. This form of hydrogen peroxide is more effective, but highly toxic for inhalation even at small doses.

Where has Viridis been tested?

In addition to our own internal lab facilities, our products and results have been verified by independent laboratories in both the UK and Germany.

Further, several universities (Sunway University and University of South Africa) have worked in partnership with some of our major international clients (Kuiper, AB-INBEV, etc) to verify the products efficacy.

In Malaysia, we have an ongoing consulting agreement with the Center of Virus and Vaccine Research at Sunway University’s labs to independently verify our testing claims and to conduct ongoing testing procedures for prospective clients.

What tests or research have you conducted to back up your findings or claims?

We have conducted testing with independent laboratories following European Norms for disinfection testing. Furthermore, we have done extensive research and testing in our own facilities and at the Centre of Virus and Vaccine Research at Sunway University, led by Professor Poh Chit Laa.

Where is Viridis manufactured?

Viridis is invented by Dr Daniel Schwarz, the Head of R&D at Residual Barrier Technology Limited. The concentrates are currently manufactured in the UK by Residual Barrier Technology Limited. SurfaceTech Sdn Bhd is the exclusive licensed manufacturer and distributor of Viridis in 40 approved countries in Asia, Middle-East, Oceania and some African countries. Viridis products (RTUs) are manufactured in Malaysia under exclusive license by SurfacTech Sdn Bhd.

Is Viridis flammable?

As Viridis contains no alcohol, it is non-flammable.

Is Viridis suitable for children?

In general, children under 4 years old are not recommended to use disinfectants without adult supervision due to the nature of biocides. Eye contact and ingestion must always be avoided.

Will the use of Viridis dry your hands? Can people with skin sensitivities use Viridis?

The product was tested in a study performed by UK-based Cutest Ltd, a skincare consultant which offers independent testing, on 29 volunteers and found to be compatible with sensitive skin.

How do we best apply Viridis as a surface disinfectant for protection? What are the main areas users should apply in a household, office and factory environment?

Viridis should be regularly applied on high-touch surfaces, like doorknobs, light switches, phones, sink faucets, and toys. High-touch surfaces can become contaminated by direct contact with bodily fluids or through indirect contact with other contaminated objects, such as inadequately cleaned rags and sponges or improperly washed hands.

Pathogens can stay on surfaces if they are not properly disinfected. For example, the hepatitis A virus and rotavirus can survive up to one month on hard, non-porous surfaces, while noroviruses can survive up to 42 days on the same types of surfaces. High-touch surfaces have been shown to play a role in the transmission of pathogens both directly by surface-to-mouth contact and indirectly by contamination of hands and subsequent hand-to-mouth contact.

If regularly applied, Viridis will protect these surfaces with its residual barrier from contamination and effectively stop this way of virus transmission.

Why does the user experience vary when Viridis sanitiser is applied using different delivery mechanisms? For example, when applied through the lotion pump, it feels soapy before it dries up and then gives the sensation of smoothness. In the case of mist or foam deliveries, it feels sticky before it dries up and then feels very smooth. Do the different sensations affect the biocidal efficacy and residual efficacy of the product?

When Viridis is applied through the foam pump, a lot of air is added to the liquid to make it foamy. This changes the tactile feel of the product on the skin as compared to spraying it as a liquid through the lotion pump. Such effects are totally expected and the better feeling of the foam is one reason to prefer it over liquid.

Viridis is acidic and contains organic acids. What surfaces, if any, should we avoid using it?

Some surfaces are known to be sensitive to organic acids like lactic acid. One example is marble, where the calcium can be attacked by lactic acid. However, since the concentration of the acids is low, this effect is likely to be small. Still, it is best practice to try the product first with an inconspicuous spot on sensitive surfaces.

What happens if Viridis sanitiser or disinfectant are applied on open wounds? Is it harmful or does it work similarly like an antiseptic killing microbes?

We cannot recommend using Viridis as an antiseptic on open wounds, since this would require extensive clinical studies and regulatory approvals. However, from our experience, the product does not burn on little scratches and skin blemishes as opposed to the burning sensation of other products like alcohol hand sanitisers. Furthermore, the active ingredients in Viridis are components of antiseptic products, and chitosan is used as a wound care product.

We have seen misting tunnels being used to spray disinfectants on people? Is this kind of application effective?

No, this is clearly not effective. The short exposure and limited amount of disinfectant liquid coming into contact with people mean that this kind of application cannot be effective. Worse, the mist that is inhaled (typically 0.5% bleach) can irritate or even damage the sensitive tissue in nose or lungs. The World Health Organisation has recommended against spraying people directly and authorities (for example, in Malaysia) have banned the practice

How should I store Viridis products?

Like other household chemicals, they should be stored at in a dry place, ideally at room temperature and out of direct sunlight.

Is there an expiration date for the products?

The expiration period of the products is indicated as 2 years after the stated manufacturing date printed on the bottle. However, test results have shown that they continue to be effective after the expiration date if kept under proper condition.

What happens if Virdis is accidentally consumed? What actions need to be taken?

Rinse mouth with plenty of water. Do NOT induce vomiting. If you feel unwell, get medical advice.

Where can I buy Viridis?

Viridis can be purchased direct from SurfaceTech, any of its appproved distributors, pharmacies, supermarkets, convenient stores, petrol stations or online at MyCare and other commercial websites.

How can I become a distributor, wholesaler or retailer of Viridis products?

We are looking for suitable partners to distribute our products. You can send us an enquiry here.