Marcopolo BioSafe, a platform of solutions intended to preserve the health and safety of passengers and promote resuming the passenger transport segment, has a new product in its portfolio: antimicrobial curtains.
Developed to prevent contagion and prevent the proliferation of microorganisms, the product is innovative says Marcopolo because it involves the use of a ‘smart’ material, which is thin and lighter than conventional material, which prevents the proliferation of fungi and bacteria, preventing its growth, as long as its surface is properly sanitized. Another advantage of the antimicrobial curtain is how easy it is to clean, due to its base material (a flexible PVC laminate).
According to Luciano Resner, Engineering Director at Marcopolo, the action obtained by the antimicrobial curtain is due to the additives contained in the material used to make the product: “In addition, the curtain manufacturing process uses a welding method on its edges. Thus, the possible propagation of droplets through the seam holes is eliminated,” he said.
He stressed the importance of properly cleaning the curtains with soap and water or sodium hypochlorite, according to the frequency of use of the vehicle, so that there is no accumulation of dirt on the surface, as fungi and bacteria can start to feed on the residues and anchor themselves into the dirt to grow.
The antimicrobial curtain is already widely used in healthcare, more specifically in hospitals for confining patients in intensive care units. The data regarding the efficiency rate of the antimicrobial material and its effectiveness will be confirmed by the laboratory tests that are being carried out in partnership with Universidade de Caxias do Sul.
Rodrigo Pikussa, Director of Marcopolo´s Bus Business, commented: “Our actions, since the beginning of the pandemic, were based on the health and well-being of our collaborators and the communities where we operate. Now, with the onboard biosafety initiatives, we take an additional step to protect the users of our products, allowing the safe return of mobility.” He added that in addition to helping make vehicles safer during the pandemic, this new feature is a legacy that Marcopolo intends to leave in its vehicles.
The antimicrobial curtains will be available to both domestic and foreign customers, for all Marcopolo, Volare and Neobus body models, such as intercity, road and urban models. It can also be installed in vehicles in operation, including those of other brands. The antimicrobial curtain is supplied as kit for installation and takes aspects such as ease of installation, cleaning, maintenance, safety and low cost into account.
