Sheffield firm sells spray for playgrounds that kills viruses with 'nano-spikes'

Infect Protect says its product is transparent, lasts for 90 days and can’t be rubbed off because when the ammonium silicone compound dries it becomes part of the surface it was sprayed on to.

The firm says it has passed all four stages of OEKA-TEX - standards set by the International Association for Research and Testing in the Field of Textile and Leather Ecology - to ensure it is harmless to humans, including toddlers and babies.

Co-founder and commercial director, Giles Moore, said they were talking to councils across the country including Sheffield.

He added: “We are working with the various Essex Borough Councils, with Basildon Borough Council rolling it out as of this weekend.

“Leeds City Council are looking to do the same so they can reopen their play parks, playgrounds and open gym areas.

“We are also in talks with Norfolk, Norwich, Preston, Ribble Valley and Mid Ulster and have started conversations with Sheffield City Council.

“As a Sheffield and London based business, we had hoped to have Sheffield as one of our first clients so parks like Endcliffe Park and the BoleHills etc could reopen, but they have wanted to wait to see it in use first.”

The coating is manufactured in Belgium where it has been used in industry for 20 years, he added.

Infect Protect is its sole UK distributor.

It was established in Sheffield in May, by directors Giles Moore, Michael Howe and Laurence Nair-Price.

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