Why Rigorous Testing Matters for Antiviral Products

Consumer CompactConsumer Goods and RetailOct 10, 2024

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in the way we live – for example, more of us began shopping online and working from home. At the same time, our understanding of viruses deepened. With the pandemic thankfully fading into the past, what can consumers do to ensure antiviral products continue to protect them?

Disease spread can be rapid in an interconnected world, crossing borders and significantly impacting global health and economies. Preventing virus transmission is difficult because they can spread via several different vectors – aerosol, droplet, contact with a contaminated surface, etc. Alongside vaccination and the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), effective utilization of hygiene products, such as disinfectants, antiseptics and antiviral surfaces in public spaces, is crucial for reducing disease transmission.

Heightened public awareness

Public awareness of how easily viruses can spread via everyday items was enhanced during the pandemic. Personal experience meant we were suddenly aware of the real risks associated with viruses and the fact some pathogens can linger for extended periods on surfaces like office doors, kitchen countertops, mobile phones and clothing. This led to greater demand for products with proven antiviral properties.

Antiviral testing

Trust in antiviral claims can only exist if the claim is backed by rigorous testing. After all, trusted means tested.

Several antiviral efficacy standards exist to verify claims relating to antiviral properties. However, not all standards apply to all products and so manufacturers are advised to work with expert testing laboratories to select the appropriate internationally recognized standard for their product.

Useful testing standards include:

Disinfectants and antiseptics: EN 14476 assesses virucidal activity against common viruses like Vaccinia virus, Human adenovirus 5, Human poliovirus type 1, and Murine norovirus strain S99 Berlin. Viruses are incubated on test samples under specific conditions set by the manufacturer and standard, such as contact time and temperature
Textiles: ISO 18184:2019 evaluates the antiviral activity of textiles against viruses like H1N1, H3N2 and Feline calicivirus. Virus particles are applied to textile samples and reference fabrics, incubated, and the remaining viral load is quantified to determine efficacy
Plastics and non-porous materials: ISO 21702:2019 is used to assess the virus-stopping abilities of plastics and other non-porous materials. The testing process is similar to ISO 18184

These tests allow manufacturers to confirm the virucidal efficiency of their products, which is especially important when items are used by multiple people and the risk of pathogen spread is increased.

Additional benefits

For manufacturers, ensuring product effectiveness is paramount. However, applying these stringent test methods to relevant consumer products offers additional advantages. As consumers become more aware of the risks of viral transmission via surfaces, products that demonstrate proven efficacy will gain greater consumer trust and help build a brand’s reputation. Testing also reduces liability and enables market differentiation.

SGS solutions

We work with manufacturers and suppliers of a wide range of consumer products, including disinfectants, antiseptics, textiles, leather goods, plastics and furniture materials, helping them to assess the virucidal qualities of their product. Delivered through a global network of state-of-the-art laboratories, our testing solutions cover the full range of standards, including EN 14476, ISO 18184 and ISO 21702. Whatever the consumer product, our services help to ensure goods are safe, high-performing and market ready.

Learn more about our solutions for disinfectants and antiseptics.

Learn more about our testing services for softlines and hardlines testing services.