When I think about the work we do at Microban®, one thing always stands out: our mission to make every day surfaces cleaner, fresher, and more durable. My role enables me to collaborate with brands and manufacturers across various industries, including healthcare, construction, consumer goods, food service, and more, to integrate our antimicrobial technology into products that people rely on daily.
One of the collaborations I’m especially proud of is our partnership with Great Dane, a leader in refrigerated transportation. Great Dane’s Everest refrigerated trailers are equipped with Microban technology to offer their customers a cleaner, greener journey.
Built-In Defense for Clean Refrigerated Transportation
At its core, Microban technology is built-in antimicrobial protection designed to fight the growth of bacteria on treated surfaces. Bacteria can cause unwanted odors, staining, and product degradation. It doesn’t replace regular cleaning, but it works continuously to provide an added layer of proactive protection to the treated product. Here’s how:
- When bacteria land on a surface, they try to grow and multiply.
- Microban technology disrupts their cell functions—damaging the cell wall, interrupting enzyme activity, and blocking nutrient uptake.
- The result? Bacteria can’t survive, grow, or reproduce.
This surface protection is always working—24/7—for the lifetime of the product. And just as important, it’s protection backed by the Microban name.
Why Great Dane Chose Microban®
Food safety regulations continue to evolve around the world, and manufacturers in the cold chain industry face the challenge of keeping trailers cleaner and fresher while protecting the environment that carries delicate food cargo. Great Dane recognized that challenge and saw an opportunity to innovate.
By integrating Microban® technology directly into the liners of Everest reefers and Alpine refrigerated truck bodies, Great Dane built in protection that actively resists bacterial growth on the liner’s surface. This antimicrobial surface protection helps prevent stain- and odor-causing bacteria from taking hold, keeping the liner cleaner and fresher between routine washes.
Unlike coatings or sprays, our technology is integrated into the trailer liners during manufacturing. That means it won’t wash away, fade, or wear out—it lasts for the useful life of the liner.
Real-World Impact on Refrigerated Transportation
Fleet managers and drivers are on the front lines of food transportation, and cleanliness isn’t just about meeting standards; it’s about peace of mind. With Microban technology built into Great Dane trailers, fleet managers know they have an extra layer of surface protection working around the clock.
Testing has shown that treated liners can remain up to 99.99% cleaner* than untreated ones in between cleanings. That’s a measurable difference that translates to fresher trailers, less odor, and confidence in the cold chain journey.
*claims based on test method ISO22196
A Cleaner, Greener Journey
Our commitment doesn’t stop at cleaner surfaces. Microban SilverShield® technology is used in Great Dane trailers and a wide array of other applications. By reducing the amount of silver required to effectively treat surfaces, we’ve fine-tuned the process to make it more efficient. Making a surface easier to clean also saves time, money, and resources.
This is part of what I love most about our work: innovation that not only helps customers today but also supports a more sustainable tomorrow.
Redefining “Clean” in Cold Chain Logistics
For years, “clean” in refrigerated transportation was measured only by visible appearance or the use of cleaning chemicals. However, in today’s world, clean means more proactive product protection and integrated technologies like Microban.
Our partnership with Great Dane is helping to redefine what that looks like. Together, we’re making refrigerated trailers smarter, fresher, and cleaner. Our partnership is delivering the kind of innovation that sets new standards for the industry.
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Maria Diefenbach, North America Brand and Marketing Communications at Microban International, brings 18 years of experience in the biocides industry, where she drives brand strategy and marketing initiatives for antimicrobial and odor control technologies in North America.
