Rapgard film protective films are used by health care workers to protect children and other vulnerable individuals from the harmful effects of UV rays, according to the European Union.
The EU Health and Social Affairs Commissioner, Maria Elena Bacilova, announced in November that she would launch a competition to find a suitable and affordable alternative to the Rapgard product.
The Rapgard, or Rap-Gard, is a proprietary film that can be used to protect UV-absorbing UV filters in residential buildings, hospitals, and homes.
The film has a unique polymer film that allows the film to adhere to the surface of the glass.
The European Commission is funding the study, and Bacilová hopes to begin manufacturing the product by 2020.
She also said in November she would look into how to make Rapgard products available to other EU countries.
The European Commission, in a statement released Friday, said that the Commission’s research will include “the availability of a suitable alternative for residential buildings and hospitals to protect themselves from UV-induced skin damage.”
The European Union is one of the largest purchasers of UV-protective products, according the European Commission.
The commission said the majority of its investment comes from the European Economic Area.