# Antimicrobial Shopping Cart Handles Bact-Off's Snap-On Plastic Handle Defends Against Germs By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2020-06-02 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shopping-cart-handles References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bact-off-introduces-worlds-first-antimicrobial--germ-free-plastic-shopping-cart-handle-301069139.html) & [bact-off](https://www.bact-off.com) Bact-Off and [Smart](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uvc-selfcleaning-water-bottle) Plastic Technologies are introducing a snap-on [shopping cart handle](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-amazon-dash-cart) Smart Plastic's antimicrobial SPTek GARD to address current global health concerns and reduce in-store cross-contamination. The solution for retail settings was created to be effective against MRSA, salmonella, listeria, E coli and more with its recyclable design. The cart handle design infused with SPTek GARD was developed to address the fact that "shopping carts are identified as one of the most germ contaminated high-touch items, with a bacteria count of up to 73,000 colony forming units (CFU) per square inch and 361 times more bacteria than a bathroom doorknob." The simple, snap-on device from Bact-Off and Smart Plastic Technologies helps to reduce cross-contamination risks by offering a high degree of [antimicrobial protection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antimicrobial-additive). Image Credit: Ella Dean Photography ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Antimicrobial Technology:** Opportunity for developing new antimicrobial solutions to address health concerns and reduce cross-contamination. - **Smart Design:** Potential for innovative design solutions that can be easily incorporated into existing products to enhance their functionality. - **Health and Safety Consciousness:** Growing demand for products that prioritize health and safety in various industries. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Retail:** Opportunity for retail businesses to invest in antimicrobial technologies for shopping carts and other high-touch items to assure customer safety and reduce the spread of germs. - **Manufacturing:** Manufacturing companies can explore the integration of antimicrobial additives in their plastic products to cater to the rising demand for hygienic and safe solutions. - **Hospitality:** Hotels, restaurants, and other hospitality businesses can consider incorporating antimicrobial materials in their facilities and equipment to enhance cleanliness and customer satisfaction. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Copper-Made Antimicrobial Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/staywell-copper.md) - [Food-Safe Sanitizer Sprays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacteriophage-microgel-bead-spray.md) - [Antibacterial Recycled Waste Bags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/recycled-waste-bag.md) - [Antimicrobial Sippy Cups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superstar.md) - [Antimicrobial Toilet Seats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antimicrobial-toilet-seats.md) - [Hands-Free Door Handle Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/safe-lever-door-opener.md) - [Touch-Free Santizing Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/touch-free-pen.md) - [Smart Shopping Cart Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cust2mate-smart-carts.md) - [Self-Cleaning Glass Bottles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/self-cleaning-glass.md)