A North-East bio technology firm has been awarded a patent for its range of cleaners.

The patent covers all of Stockton-based CBio's liquid products, which use pro-biotic technology in a variety of applications including cleaners for drains, toilets and urinals as well as general multi surface cleaners.

Rather than blasting bugs with traditional harsh chemicals the new technology uses good bacteria to combat the bad to clear food, oil and grease waste from drains or to protect a surface from harmful bacteria for up to eight days.

Product sales for the innovative product have increased year on year as the public become used to the concept of harnessing natural germ warfare.  Now the patent award - which is the only one of its type in the UK – will give the products even greater credibility, the firm hoped.

“This is a real achievement. It cements our place as market leader and highlights our technical credentials in producing innovative cleaning solutions,” said Ben Hoskyns, managing director of CBio.

“It can be difficult for the public to take on board the concept of using good bacteria to fight the bad but, in a similar vein to the success of pro-biotic drinks, the huge benefits of pro-biotic cleaners are now being more widely accepted and understood.

“Additionally, we are proving that moving to a biological system rather than using a mechanical system is not only better for environment but also significantly reduces the energy bills of our customers and boosts their profitability,” he added.