UV-C light for disinfection in the retail sector

What used to be reserved exclusively for operating theaters or clean rooms can now ensure hygienic conditions in supermarkets, pharmacies, drugstores and specialist rehabilitation stores: UV-C light reliably eliminates germs in the air and on surfaces.

UV-C light covers the ultraviolet wavelength range from 200 to 280 nanometers. This spectrum has the maximum germicidal effect, as it destroys the DNA and RNA of microorganisms. This makes UV-C light suitable for disinfecting air, surfaces and packaging - without any chemicals.

Classic UV-C lamps with radiation at 254 nm are very effective as they are very high-energy and can therefore only be used in empty rooms, for example at night when no people are present. Otherwise they would damage human cells.

Far-UV-C luminaires (222 nm) are also available that can be used safely during operation – ideal for rooms with public traffic. For the first time, this innovation enables continuous air disinfection during opening hours without risk to staff or customers, as no skin or eye damage is caused.

Technological advances from tubes to smart UV-C LEDs and the development of safe far-UV-C systems mean that disinfection technology, which was previously difficult to access, is now compact, efficient and suitable for everyday use. This opens up completely new opportunities for retailers in the areas of safety, trust and freshness. Those who rely on UV-C are not only investing in hygiene, but also in the well-being of customers and employees.

New studies prove it: With modern UV-C LEDs, 99% of germs in the air and over 90% on surfaces can be safely removed – including viruses such as SARS-CoV-2 or bacteria such as salmonella and listeria. Targeted application and smart integration into existing store concepts are crucial here.

In supermarkets, it is not only hygiene in the cold chain that plays a role, but air quality and germ contamination in self-service areas are also increasingly coming into focus. EDEKA has already tested UV-C ceiling lights in a pilot store in Hamburg, Germany: 31 UV-C lamps have been proven to reduce the germ load in the room air by up to 50 percent.

At the same time, UV-C light has been proven to extend the shelf life of fresh produce such as lettuce by reducing the microbial load on the surface. This not only optimizes the best-before date, but also reduces food waste – a measurable economic and ecological advantage.

Customer safety is a top priority in pharmacies and medical supply stores. The disinfection of consultation counters, hearing aids or medical aids such as rollators can be carried out reliably using compact UV-C chambers. Manufacturers such as UV Smart and Philips now offer special solutions for medical applications.

The use of hygiene measures also makes sense in the drugstore sector: UV-C air purifiers have been installed on the ceiling of 20 dm stores in Slovakia. These specifically disinfect the upper room air. The effect is subtle but sustainable and, according to the operator, “contributes to the protection of customer and employee health”.

In addition, UV-C hand scanners and mobile disinfection boxes for cosmetics testers, EC terminals or product samples are being used more and more frequently.

• Germ-free surfaces and air without chemicals
• Increased customer confidence thanks to hygiene standards
• Automated disinfection – even outside opening hours
• Simple retrofitting thanks to modular systems
• Reduction in staff absences due to illness

As promising as UV-C technology is, there are also limitations that retailers should be aware of:

• Safety aspects: Classic UV-C light (254 nm) can damage the skin and eyes. Direct irradiation must be prevented by sensors or shielding, which makes planning and installation more complex. And even with compatible 222 nm systems, safety depends heavily on correct filtering and compliance with legal exposure limits. It is therefore essential to ensure correct application.
• Surface disinfection only: UV-C light only works where it strikes directly. Shadows, uneven surfaces or dust can therefore significantly reduce the effect.
• Not suitable for all materials: Prolonged exposure to UV-C radiation can cause some plastics, packaging and natural materials (e.g. textiles or wood) to yellow or become brittle.
• Regulatory questions unanswered: Particularly in the food sector, strict regulations apply – UV-C can often only be used as a supplement to cleaning, not as the sole measure.

Even if there is no pandemic affecting public life, a hygienic shopping experience and protection against germs remains essential for many people. Customers are particularly sensitive in areas such as food, medicines and medical supplies – as well as in drugstores and changing rooms.

Investments in modern hygiene technology pay off twice over: They not only increase objective cleanliness but can also strengthen the brand image and promote customer loyalty. The market for UV-C technology is growing continuously – as is the variety of available solutions. Existing cleaning processes can be effectively supplemented with UV-C technology.

Further source: Research conducted by Boston University and Signify