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Introducing MicroGuard™ by Microban®: antimicrobial technology for PU, EVA and PVC products

Huntersville, NC – News Direct – 15 February 2023 – Microban International is pleased to expand its portfolio of antimicrobial technologies with the introduction of MicroGuard, a series of antifungal additives for PVC, PU, and EVA applications including foam. MicroGuard technology provides high antifungal efficacy and 24/7 built-in protection, preventing microbial degradation to extend the useful product lifetime.

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This innovative solution from the global leader in antimicrobials is part of Microban’s commitment to bringing novel technologies to market with more friendly toxicity profiles than currently available agents. MicroGuard has been developed as a non-leaching antifungal agent comprised of active ingredients that are free from metals, offering an alternative to arsenic-based OBPA – a common antifungal additive – that is causing regulatory concerns due to its ability to contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life.

Michael Ruby, President at Microban International, commented: “We are pleased to introduce MicroGuard, a metal-free technology designed to combat fungal growth on PVC products, as well as on PU and EVA foams. MicroGuard’s more favourable toxicity profile is ahead of the curve in terms of shifts in the regulatory landscape concerning built-in antifungals for these goods, offering manufacturers a highly effective built-in solution to increase product durability.”

MicroGuard can be seamlessly integrated into PVC, PU and EVA products at the point of manufacture, and has been designed for use in a broad range of applications. The technology can be incorporated into outdoor PVC products – roofing membranes, tarpaulin, awnings and decking – and used to treat goods manufactured from PU and EVA foams, including shoe soles, furniture cushions and mattresses.

Dr Souvik Nandi, Vice President of Technology and Innovations at Microban International, added: “MicroGuard has been carefully developed using our extensive in-house expertise to meet the diverse needs of PU, EVA and PVC manufacturers. Available in both pellet and liquid formulations, MicroGuard has global registration to offer manufacturers confidence in treating their polymer products.”

The technology is available to brands and manufacturers globally, along with Microban’s support and expertise. Find out more at https://www.microban.com/antimicrobial-solutions/technologies/microguard and get in touch with a representative today!

Microban will be exhibiting MicroGuard at the AMI’s fifth PVC Formulation from February 21-22, 2023, where Mai Ha, Senior Product Development Engineer at Microban International, will be discussing how the next generation of PVC antimicrobials is creating a cleaner future. Microban will also be showcasing MicroGuard at booth 8725 in exhibit halls A-E at the International Roofing Expo (IRE) March 79, 2023.

Hashtag: #MicrobanInternational

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Microban International

Part of Barr Brands International (BBI), Microban International is home to the most trusted and well-known global brands in the antimicrobial, odour control, and sanitisation / disinfection markets – Microban® and Ultra-Fresh®. Our organisation has experienced over 100 collective years of growth and has revolutionised the industry. As the global leader, our proactive systems keep products cleaner, and control odours better by preventing problems before they start. Microban International drives innovation by combining science and creative solutions that enhance high-quality consumer, textile, industrial and medical products around the world. Today, the Microban and Ultra-Fresh brands and our technologies are featured on thousands of products worldwide. The company is headquartered in North Carolina with operations in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit .

© 2023 kdm communications limited

Company Website

CPA Australia: Hong Kong Budget – Bold steps needed for economic boost

  • 100 per cent increase in tobacco duty, consider a tax on non-recyclable plastic products
  • Offer a two-tiered e-consumption vouchers with a target disbursement period in the first half of 2023, with HK$2,000 as the base amount for all eligible Hong Kong residents, and an additional HK$6,000 for underprivileged groups (in total HK$8,000)
  • Maintain the HK$10,000 tax rebate on salaries tax and increase tax allowances

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – One of the largest professional accounting bodies globally, CPA Australia, has released its recommendations for Budget 2023-24 to revitalise the economy and create a better future. With an estimated HK$126 billion fiscal deficit for the financial year 2022-23 and HK$820 billion of remaining fiscal reserves, CPA Australia believes Hong Kong needs bold action to attract talent, improve the environment and boost the economy.

“Hong Kong’s economy is expected to rebound this year along with the resumption of cross-border travel and easing of COVID-19 restrictions,” Anthony Lau, Co-Chairperson of CPA Australia’s Taxation Committee – Greater China said.

“However, volatility, uncertainty and inflation pressures weigh on the recovery. We want the government to re-establish Hong Kong on the world stage, while improving public finances.”

Building sustainable public finances, promoting a green society

“Following three years of the pandemic, building a healthy and liveable society for Hong Kong residents is a priority. We want measures that create a better living environment,” Mr Lau said.

CPA Australia wants the tobacco duty increased to reduce smoking rates and alleviate the burden on public healthcare system. A 100 per cent increase in tobacco duty will generate around HK$8 billion in additional revenue in 2023-24. Further, the government should consider a tax on non-recyclable plastic products to reduce plastic consumption and waste.

“Hong Kong’s simple and low tax system is important to attracting companies and investment. We want the government to work with Mainland authorities to enhance the Hong Kong-Mainland of China Double Tax Arrangement (DTA) and help distinguish Hong Kong from regional competitors. This could include reducing the dividend withholding tax rate.”

“We want the capital investment entrant scheme reintroduced and eligibility expanded to Chinese nationals. Alternatively, the government could introduce an immigration program that provides residency status to investors making investment in strategic industries.”

Encouraging SME transformation

Mr Janssen Chan, Co-Chairperson of CPA Australia’s Taxation Committee – Greater China said e-consumption vouchers have helped many SMEs digitally transform in the past two years.

“To build on that momentum, we suggest the government relaunch and increase funding to the Distance Business Program to help more businesses digitalise and expand their online presence.

“Though we need to start moving away from an expansionary approach in the budget, a modified version of the e-consumption voucher scheme could be considered for Hong Kong residents, with a focus on supporting lower-income earners, if the government considers the economic conditions require it.

“Government measures over the past two years have helped many SMEs stay afloat but uncertainty continues. We want measures like the Special 100 per cent SME Financing Guarantee Loan Scheme and the Pre-approved Principal Payment Holiday Scheme extended by one year.”

“To address the manpower shortage issue, the government can assist is to improve the chances of younger generations being able to buy a home in Hong Kong by helping with a down payment.

“Given SMEs are particularly struggling to attract and retain talent, the government may consider offering an additional tax deduction on salaries expenditure for companies hiring employees aged 60 or over, which is another pool of top talent.”

Reducing cost of living pressures, improving living standards, attracting talent

Theresa Chan, Deputy Chairperson of CPA Australia’s Taxation Committee – Greater China said Hong Kong residents were facing higher costs, particularly hurting low-income earners.

“To help ease cost pressures we want the HK$10,000 tax rebate on salaries tax maintained. Personal allowance, child allowance and married person’s allowances should be increased. The government should also consider increasing the salaries tax allowances at least in line with inflation.”

We also recommend an energy bills subsidy to assist with rising prices.

“To prepare for an ageing tsunami and to alleviate the burden on the public health system, we suggest increasing the cap on tax deductions for voluntary contributions to the MPF scheme to HK$100,000 and the Voluntary Health Insurance Scheme (VHIS) to HK$12,000 respectively. For taxpayers who are not policyholders of the VHIS, we suggest introducing a tax deduction on unreimbursed medical and health check expenses from private healthcare providers up to HK$12,000.”

“To attract talent to work and stay in Hong Kong, we suggest enhancing the Top Talent Pass Scheme by reducing the salaries tax rate for successful applicants by 50 per cent for the first two tax years, subject to a cap of HK$1.2 million of income.”

For live Budget Day commentary on 22 February, call our hotline: 2202-2722 / 5318 9655.

Hashtag: #CPAAustralia

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 170,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,200 members in Greater China. CPA Australia has been operating in Hong Kong since 1955 and opened our Hong Kong office in 1989. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at

Thailand Cabinet Approves Tourist Entry Fees for International Visitors

Cabinet of Thailand Approves Tourist Fees for International Visitors
People walking towards immigration inside Suvarnabhumi Airport (Photo : Loyallobby )

The Cabinet of Thailand has approved a new entry fee for visitors aimed at ensuring health and accident coverage for tourists, according to the Sports and Tourism Minister of Thailand.

Laos Holds its First Career Forum for French-Speaking Young Graduates

1st Career Forum in Laos for French-Speaking Young Graduates
Students who participated in the event

The Cooperation and Cultural Action Department of the French Embassy and the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Laos collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Sports on a series of events aimed at introducing young students to the corporate world and the diverse opportunities available to them. This includes a Career Forum that was held on 13 February at the Lycée de Vientiane.

Separatist Rebels in Papua Say Kidnapped NZ Pilot is Safe

In this undated photo released by West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, Papuan separatist rebels pose for a photo with a man they said is New Zealander pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens who they took hostage last week, at an undisclosed location in Papua province, Indonesia. Mehrtens, a pilot for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air, was abducted by the independence fighters who stormed his single-engine plane shortly after it landed on a small runway in Paro in remote Nduga district. (West Papua Liberation Army via AP)
In this undated photo released by West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, Papuan separatist rebels pose for a photo with a man they said is New Zealander pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens who they took hostage last week, at an undisclosed location in Papua province, Indonesia. Mehrtens, a pilot for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air, was abducted by the independence fighters who stormed his single-engine plane shortly after it landed on a small runway in Paro in remote Nduga district. (West Papua Liberation Army via AP)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Separatist rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua province released photos and videos Tuesday of a man they said is the pilot from New Zealand whom they took hostage last week.

Lao Statistics Bureau Announces Plan to Tackle Rising Cost of Living

Lao Statistics Bureau Announces Plan to Tackle Rising Cost of Living
Ms. Salika Chanthalavong, Deputy Director General of the LSB’s Economics Statistics Department recent news conference held at the BOL in Vientiane. ( Photo : ປະຊາຊົນ )

The Lao Statistic Bureau (LSB) held a meeting on 7 February at the Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) to announce its plans to identify and address the cause of rising prices of goods in the country.

Australia and Laos – Moving Forward Together

Australia and Laos – Moving Forward Together
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mr. Saleumxay Kommasith as guest of honour at the 2023 Australia Day reception

Australian Ambassador to Laos, Mr. Paul Kelly, reflects upon the relationship between Laos and Australia in an op-ed as the two countries move forward together.

Southco Launches New Handbook

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 15 February 2023 – Southco Asia Ltd., a subsidiary of Southco Inc., a leading global provider of engineered access solutions such as locks, latches, captive fasteners, electronic access solutions and hinges/ positioning technology has published its new handbook (HB 72), a comprehensive guide to every product the manufacturer has to offer. This marks the first time Southco has released a handbook in print since 2015. HB72 contains a wealth of information about Southco’s access solutions, including product drawings, performance details, available options and installation notes. Everything you need to know about any Southco product is contained in HB72, and the print version puts that information at your fingertips.

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One of the most useful features of HB72 is the part number builder. Many Southco products are highly configurable, allowing them to fit many different applications, but with such a large offering comes a long list of part numbers. HB72 allows you to clearly see which options go with which part numbers, so manufacturers can be sure that they are getting the correct parts every time.

Another helpful feature of HB72 is the selection guide in the beginning of each product category. This allows users to easily compare and contrast all products in a category side-by-side and choose the right one for their needs. They can view features such as material, latch types, and installation, all in one convenient table, and ensure that they get the best solution for their application.

Additionally, each product shows detailed product drawings, performance details, and installation notes. These provide the exact dimensions of each product, show how much force it is designed to withstand or provide, and ensure that users install the product correctly. In HB72, Southco presents a wide range of access solutions, and ensures that users have the knowledge to use them correctly.

This is a rare opportunity to be among the first to obtain a new Southco handbook in print. While their last print handbook, HB65, remains a good reference point for the products contained in it, Southco’s product range has increased substantially since the last handbook’s printing in 2015. HB72 includes over eighty pages of new products that are designed for growing industries and fill gaps in the functionality of Southco’s previous lineup. Now, users can rest easy knowing they have every solution they need, and all the information needed to use them in one place: Southco Handbook 72.

To order your copy of Southco Handbook 72 please visit southco.com or email the 24/7 customer service department at info@southco.com

Hashtag: #southco #handbook72 #catalogue #accesssolutions #hardware

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Southco Asia Limited

Southco, Inc. is the leading global designer and manufacturer of engineered access solutions. From quality and performance to aesthetics and ergonomics, we understand that first impressions are lasting impressions in product design. For over 70 years, Southco has helped the world’s most recognized brands create value for their customers with innovative access solutions designed to enhance the touch points of their products in transportation and industrial applications, medical equipment, data centers and more. With unrivalled engineering resources, innovative products, and a dedicated global team, Southco delivers the broadest portfolio of premium access solutions available to equipment designers throughout the world.