Cork-based Punch Industries announced it has joined forces with family-run Italian firm Guaber SpA to introduce its product Colour Catcher, which prevents colour runs in the washing machine, onto the Italian market.

The Irish indigenous company, based in Little Island, County Cork, said it hopes to sell an additional five million units to Italy and was undertaking a revamp of its facilities and equipment to cater for the increased business.

Guaber, based in Bologna with a turnover in the region of $100 million (€113.7 million), will market and distribute colour catcher under the Punch Industries trademark L'Acchiappacolore.

The Italian washing additives/stain market is estimated to be worth about £75 million.