Microbial growth on filter materials is a well-known problem in water treatment: bacteria and other microorganisms can colonize and multiply on conventional activated carbons and thus enter drinking water or the ambient air, where they can cause diseases and unpleasant odors. This risk can be significantly reduced by using AGXX technology in filter systems: The antimicrobial technology ensures long-lasting inhibition of microbial growth directly on the surface of the activated carbon, thus contributing to more reliable and hygienic water filtration - both in industrial and household applications.
As part of the cooperation, Heraeus Precious Metals is responsible for the further development and optimization of AGXX® technology for use on activated carbons. The company also ensures that all regulatory requirements for the target markets are met. In various ASTM and laboratory tests on water filtration, the activated carbon granules demonstrated high antimicrobial efficacy.
CarboTech contributes its extensive expertise in the impregnation and processing of activated carbons and will market the products functionalized with AGXX® worldwide through its established distribution channels. With AGXX®, CarboTech is also adding a sustainable alternative to silver nitrate to its product portfolio, which will soon no longer be permitted as an active ingredient in the EU due to its new classification as toxic to reproduction category 1B.
Both partners benefit from a clear distribution of roles: Heraeus Precious Metals contributes its expertise in the development and provision of functional precious metal solutions, while CarboTech contributes its many years of experience in the processing, application and marketing of activated carbons.
"With AGXX®, we have developed a technology that effectively and sustainably inhibits microbial growth on materials," explains Martin Danz, Head of Antimicrobial Technologies at Heraeus Precious Metals. "The collaboration with CarboTech enables us to transfer this potential specifically to activated carbons for water filters - an area in which hygiene and safety have the highest priority."
Daniel Böke, CEO of CarboTech, emphasizes: "The combination of innovative precious metal technology and our expertise in activated carbon refinement opens up new possibilities for high-performance water filter systems. The partnership with Heraeus Precious Metals enables us to expand our portfolio with a pioneering technology and thus strengthen our position as an innovation leader in the field of activated carbon."
About CarboTech
The CarboTech Group, an ICI Group company, is a leading medium-sized supplier and manufacturer of adsorbents. Its products make a significant contribution to environmental purity, particularly in the chemical, water and wastewater treatment, ventilation and air conditioning sectors. With production facilities in the heart of the industrial Ruhr area, the company combines tradition with innovation. This is where the production, refinement and packaging of customized activated carbon takes place - all from a single source.
As Germany's leading full-service provider in the field of activated carbons, CarboTech combines many years of experience in production, application and process engineering. Its commitment is based on a strong tradition in mining research and the coal industry, combined with modern research to minimize environmental pollution and health risks. The company addresses both traditional requirements and innovative solutions and services. The experts know the practical challenges and continuously develop sustainable, efficient and environmentally friendly products - for the benefit of customers and the environment.
Further information is available at www.carbotech.de
About Heraeus Precious Metals
Heraeus Precious Metals is a global leader in the precious metals industry. The company is part of the Heraeus Group and covers the entire value chain, from trading and precious metal products to refining and recycling. Heraeus Precious Metals has extensive expertise in all platinum group metals as well as gold and silver.
With more than 3,000 employees at 17 locations worldwide, the company offers a broad portfolio of products that are indispensable for many industries such as the automotive, chemical, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, hydrogen and jewelry industries.
Further information can be found at www.heraeus-precious-metals.com
