Bullitt Group, the global licensee for Cat® phones, today announced the availability of the Cat S42 H+ smartphone and the new Cat B40 4G feature phone, both with advanced antimicrobial product protection blended throughout.

For over a decade, Cat phones have led the way making mobile devices more resilient for the needs of heavy work and the hard knocks of everyday life. Extending that resilience further in the new normal, Cat phones is also setting a new standard in device hygiene.

The Cat S42 H+ (Hygiene Plus Innovation) has enhanced antimicrobial product protection built into its body, making it the first fully and permanently anti-bacterial phone. Every exterior component of its military-grade body has been blended with an antimicrobial silver ion technology additive called Biomaster® during the manufacturing process, to help fight bacteria. Tested to the international ISO 22196 standard, the active antimicrobial agent is proven to inhibit bacteria cells from replicating by over 80% within 15 minutes and 99.9% within 24 hours.

Like all Cat phones, it is a waterproof phone certified to IP68 and IP69. Not only can it be fully submerged in warm soapy water and repeatedly washed, but it has been put under extreme clean testing. It has been bleach wipe tested 3000 times, subjected to pressurised alcohol testing and used with real-world chemical mixtures such as hand sanitzers.  Together, this combination of innovations sets a new standard in hygienic phone design.

The new Cat B40 is a professional 4G-enabled feature phone, offering reliable voice and text connections in the toughest environments. Featuring IP68 and IP69 Ingress Protection and Hygiene Plus Innovation, all external components have also been blended with a silver ion-based antimicrobial additive for exceptional germ defense (ISO22196), helping to keep you, your colleagues and your family safe.

Hygiene in all its forms has never been more important and mobile phones are recognized by the WHO as a potential carrier of bacteria and virus, where every interaction could transfer them to your face or skin. Over 17,000 bacteria were found on mobile phones, according to a study published in the academic medical journal, Germs in 2017. Studies have shown the mobile phone in your pocket is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat.

“One of the reasons our phones are so dirty is the heat they produce. Warm environments are where bacteria thrive, and we all take our mobile phones everywhere with us, to all the places we live and work, constantly picking up new contaminants. We are proud to introduce these antibacterial devices which we hope will help reduce these risks and encourage a complete rethink around how personal and shared phones are used,” said Peter Cunningham, VP Product Portfolio at Bullitt Group.

From nurses to porters, delivery drivers to ground crew, for anyone constantly exposed to other people, this combination of easy clean phone with antimicrobial treatment can make a difference.

The Cat S42 H+ retails for €269 / £239 and the Cat B40 retails for €79.90 / £69.99 via www.catphones.com and via multiple retailers. Available to buy from the end of April 2021.