A new anti-viral coating developed by industrial equipment manufacturer, WEG, claims to makes 99.9% of coronavirus inactive within minutes of contact with the surface.

Developed by WEG’s Coatings and Varnishes unit in Brazil, the polyurethane W-THANE APA 501 coating is primarily being sued for professional machinery and equipment in a medical setting. The coating has been developed amid the coronavirus pandemic for the many industries that WEG serves, that are all aiming to improve hygiene and safety, said the company.

Available in a diverse range of colours, the coating is recommended to protect industrial equipment used in high risk environments, such as the healthcare sector, as well as the industrial equipment used inside these facilities. However, the company added that it is also suitable for use in diverse market areas, including on plant, machinery and equipment and public transport.

The new coating is the result of research and development at the WEG Coatings and Varnishes Unit — a division of the larger WEG group. Using anti-viral agents, the coating ensures that coronavirus cannot survive on its surface and has been thoroughly tested against the coronavirus MHV-3 strain, said WEG.

“We are sparing no effort in developing technologies to combat COVID-19,” said Reinaldo Richter, superintendent director of WEG Coatings. “We have a highly trained team of researchers available for this project and we have achieved the expected result in record time.”