AP-360™ Makes Recyclable Shopping Bags Family-Friendly, Environmentally Safe
Green Diamond Bag and AB Bag are the only lead-free, Triclosan-free, antimicrobial recyclable shopping bags
Online, December 6, 2010 (Newswire.com) - As research continues to uncover the looming risks associated with reusable shopping bags, AP-360™, an all-natural, hypoallergenic renewable resource proves to be a lead-free and Triclosan-free solution. Environmentally-friendly and family-friendly are now synonymous with the introduction of AP-360™ treated shopping bags. AP-360™ naturally inhibits the growth of dangerous odor-causing bacteria on a treated article. Presently, the only shopping bags treated with AP-360™ are the Green Diamond Bag™ and AB Bag.
"It's no secret that recyclable bags have the potential to host a multitude of bacteria," said Bret Schnitker, president of Stars Design Group, the exclusive U.S. supplier of AP-360™. "While making a diligent effort to go 'green,' many shoppers are growing increasingly concerned about the impact untreated bags may have on their families. I believe people are thinking twice about the purchase of recyclable bags in an effort to decrease any risk of cross-contaminating and spreading bacteria. Research shows that bags treated with AP-360™ reduce the possibility of contamination by creating a negative environment for harmful odor causing bacteria."
A recent joint research study from the University of Arizona (UA) and Loma Linda University in California randomly tested reusable grocery bags carried by shoppers in Tucson, Ariz., Los Angeles and San Francisco. The study found that reusable grocery bags could be a breeding ground for dangerous food-borne bacteria.
In the University of Arizona's release about the study, Charles Gerba, a UA professor of soil, water and environmental science and co-author of the study said, "our findings suggest a serious threat to public health, especially from coliform bacteria including E. coli, which were detected in half of the bags sampled."
Green Diamond Bags, as well as AB Bags are currently the only antimicrobial bags on the market treated with the AP-360™ formula. As such, no other antimicrobial bags have proven to be similarly eco-friendly, odor preventing, durable, cost efficient, hypoallergenic and safe for everyday use.
"Washing recyclable bags can help to eliminate the concern, but it appears that very few bag owners practice this consistently, if at all," said Schnitker. "Packing meat and vegetables in these bags repeatedly is like eating from the same unwashed plate for weeks, months or even years."
AP-360™ is produced from chitin, a natural resource that is abundantly renewable. It is 100% safe and studies from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded, "no adverse ecological effects have thus far been attributed to its presence."
Chitin, AP-360's™ active ingredient, is created by removing protein from the discarded shells of crabs. It contains unique antimicrobial properties and is naturally non-allergenic, especially for consumers sensitive to shellfish. This technology has been known for some time, but is now readily available, effective and affordable.
"We are also proud to say that AP-360™ is Triclosan free," said Schnitker. "While Triclosan is commonly used today in anti-bacterial products, it is a potentially dangerous pesticide, and not something I want in contact with the items my family ingests."
Many other bags are treated with less environmentally friendly antimicrobial substances. These other bags, when they are washed or discarded, can destroy beneficial bacteria and aquatic life forms. In contrast, any water used to wash a Green Diamond Bag™ or an AB Bag does not pose a risk to the environment. Furthermore, it can be washed more than 30 times before losing its antimicrobial capabilities.
About AP-360™
AP-360™ is an eco-friendly and sustainable antimicrobial product that controls harmful odor causing bacteria on the treated article. It is produced from chitin, a natural resource derived from discarded crabs and shellfish. The chitin is converted into a hypo-allergenic active ingredient that contains antimicrobial properties. AP-360™ is exclusively supplied by Stars Design Group, a global apparel and hard goods manufacturing venture headquartered in St. Louis. For more information about AP-360™, visit www.greendiamondbag.com
About Green Diamond Bags™
Green Diamond Bags, created by Stars Design Group, are anti-bacterial, reusable, sustainable and recyclable bags treated with AP-360™. The bags are Triclosan-Free and can be made of non-woven recyclable polypropylene and recycled PET, woven canvas, hemp or jute. Green Diamond Bags ™ offer the highest quality in bags from grocery bags and lunch sacks to gym bags and backpacks. Options range from opening price points to completely customized fashion designs for private label or the Green Diamond Label. For more information, visit www.greendiamondbag.com.
About Stars Design Group
Headquartered in St. Louis, Stars Design Group began in 1993 as a response to the retail and wholesale industries' desire for high-quality, ethically responsible, manufactured garments. Stars' international factories specialize in a diverse array of global apparel, accessories and house wares supporting "lifestyle" brands and retail operations.
Additionally, Stars is the exclusive U.S. supplier of the AP-360™ brand, an eco-friendly and sustainable antimicrobial product that controls harmful odor causing bacteria, mold, mildew and fungus.
Outside of 12 regional sales forces in the U.S., Stars operates locations in India, South Korea, Taiwan, and Ethiopia. In addition to a strong dedication for providing the highest quality products, Stars is also committed to alleviating poverty. The company makes great strides to do so through Project Eden, Stars' corporate mission to help refugees and ultimately build and maintain a sustainable orphanage in Ethiopia.
For more information about Stars Design Group, AP-360™ or Project Eden, please visit www.starsdesigngroup.com or call (866) 279-9731.
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Tags: clean, Enviornment, recycle