Hanging straps taking the fight to harmful bacteria

Hard (AT). Passengers on public transport usually don’t think twice about reaching for hanging straps. Now, Vorarlberg-based plastics specialist faigle has brought out a new antibacterial version of its internationally top-selling hanging straps.

The breakthrough comes courtesy of a special additive. Because the anti-bacterial additive is compatible with the full selection of colours and designs in faigle’s hanging strap range, aesthetics needn’t take a back seat to added safety. Which in turn should help to boost the attractiveness of public transport.

Hanging straps are probably the simplest type of handhold for standing passengers on buses, trams, suburban and underground trains, as well as cable cars. But using hanging straps means touching them with bare hands. And avoiding hanging straps for fear of coming into contact with bacteria compromises passenger safety. When it came to developing its tried-and-tested straps, which are used around the world, faigle Kunststoffe – a member of the faigle Group, based in Hard in Vorarlberg, Austria – decided to look at ways in which passengers could be encouraged to start using hanging straps again.

The antibacterial effect is the product of a special additive which – as scientific tests have shown – inhibits the spread of harmful bacteria. The additive does not cause skin irritation either, making it ideal for use in hanging straps. Another advantage is that the additive is fully integrated into the strap material, and not just applied to the surface; as a result it does not wear off. What’s more, it is resistant against detergents and other cleaning agents. The anti-bacterial additive remains effective throughout the hanging strap’s typical service life.

“We all know how important it is for the climate that people switch to public transport. We want to play our part by offering a straightforward solution that enhances passenger safety,” says faigle Group COO Friedrich Faigle, explaining the idea behind the new product. “We are continuously developing our hanging straps and adapting them as needs change. Our straps – and all of our other products for that matter – stand out for their durability, which enables us to conserve precious resources,” he adds.

“faigle has been manufacturing hanging straps for over 40 years,” Friedrich Faigle points out. “We’re proud that big-name operators worldwide use our products and put their trust in our expertise.” faigle hanging straps are available in a range of colours and designs, which now includes an antibacterial version – meaning that customers can find a suitable model to satisfy a wide range of different requirements. The company’s range extends from conventional hanging straps to designs with space for advertising messages or with a comfortable, extra-wide handle. And colourful, more eye-catching models can breathe new life into the design of carriages and cabins.