According to a company press release, the antibacterial coating “protects the metal’s surface from hazardous microorganisms and can be used effectively in medical and other facilities with strict requirements to cleanliness and safety.”

The coating is created from compounds of copper and silver ions, which repel bacteria and enable a 100% reduction of bacteria on the surface of the steel, the company said.

The antimicrobial properties of the steel have gone through industrial testing and have been confirmed at all stages of technology development. NLMK said in a statement that the new coated steel has also passed expert appraisal by the Federal Medical and Biological Agency of the Russian Health Ministry.

The company expects to launch the product later this year.