New global, web-based platform promotes proper hand hygiene in healthcare organizations
Sealed Air Corporation (NYSE: SEE), is pleased to be one of the companies to make possible the establishment of and have ongoing participation in the World Health Organization's (WHO) Private Organizations for Patient Safety (POPS) platform. As part of this major initiative, Sealed Air will bring the expertise of its Diversey brand portfolio together with leading healthcare professionals to promote best practices in hand hygiene for healthier patient care environments.
The online platform aims to improve the implementation of WHO recommendations and reduce health care associated infections (HCAIs) by allowing WHO participating companies to share information. As a participant of POPS, Sealed Air will collaborate in the alignment of promotional messages for hand hygiene products with WHO recommendations, continue to enhance the quality of hand hygiene products, and encourage product availability and accessibility in all parts of the world.
According to WHO, of every 100 hospitalized patients, at least seven in developed and 10 in developing countries will acquire a HCAI. To reduce the risk of HCAIs, WHO recommends specific hand hygiene methods involving soap and water or an alcohol-based formula. However, lack of awareness and resources limit hand hygiene in healthcare facilities.
"Cleanliness is essential to limiting the spread of infection within a healthcare institution," said Pedro Chidichimo, Diversey Business Unit leader, Sealed Air. "To give patients the best care possible, healthcare providers must be equipped with proper knowledge about HCAIs and solutions for keeping themselves and their patients safe at all times."
"We are dedicated to helping customers reduce HCAIs and believe that this collaboration will provide healthcare institutions with actionable information on hygiene which will ultimately result in improved health care," Chidichimo added.
As a leader in the cleaning and hygiene industry, Sealed Air is working to deliver effective infection control practices, products and tools through its Diversey branded products.
Diversey is now a part of Sealed Air, a leader in food and other protective packaging solutions. Sealed Air recently completed its acquisition of Diversey, creating a global leader in food safety and security, facility hygiene and product protection. For more information about Diversey, visit www.diversey.com.
About Sealed Air
Sealed Air is a global leader in food safety and security, facility hygiene and product protection. With widely recognized and inventive brands such as Bubble Wrap®brand cushioning, Cryovac® brand food packaging solutions and DiverseyTM brand cleaning and hygiene solutions, Sealed Air offers efficient and sustainable solutions that create business value for customers, enhance the quality of life for consumers and provide a cleaner and healthier environment for future generations. On a pro forma basis, Sealed Air generated revenue of $8.1 billion in 2011, and has approximately 26,300 employees who serve customers in 175 countries. To learn more, visit www.sealedair.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Company statements in this press release may be forward-looking. These statements include comments as to future events that may affect the Company, which are based upon management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainties, many of which are outside the Company's control. Forward-looking statements can be identified by such words as "anticipates," "expects," "will" and similar expressions. A variety of factors may cause actual results to differ materially from these expectations, including: economic conditions affecting packaging utilization; changes in raw material costs; currency translation effects; and legal proceedings. For more extensive information, see "Risk Factors" and "Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements," which appear in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and as may be revised and updated by our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.
Contacts:
Sealed Air Corporation
Ken Aurichio, 201-791-7600
Ken.aurichio@sealedair.com
