Pic: Utenos trikotažas
Utenos trikotazas of the SBA group has joined hands with the Swiss textile innovation company, HeiQ, and successfully applied its revolutionary HeiQ Viroblock technology to its textile manufacturing. This unique technology has been proven 99.99 per cent effective against SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.
If the surfaces of textile products, particularly those of the face masks that have become popular during the pandemic, are not cared properly, they promote the accumulation of viruses and bacteria. At room temperature, microorganisms may persist on various surfaces from days to weeks, even months. With the application of advanced HeiQ Viroblock technology, the textile acquires additional protection against various infectious microorganisms, according to a press release by Utenos.
Currently, Utenos is producing its first large export orders. In December 2020, Utenos will offer new face mask models enhanced with HeiQ Viroblock technology to the Lithuanian market. Final tests are currently in progress.
“We are indeed proud that HeiQ Viroblock has resonated so well with textile manufacturers around the world and that it continues to be adopted for all manner of textiles. Being one of the most powerful antimicrobials currently available that is also certified as safe and sustainable, it supports our mission of enhancing the everyday lives of people everywhere, especially during these trying times. It is our pleasure, as a leading textile technology innovator, to enjoy a successful partnership with Utenos who have managed to adapt the technology in their production,” Carlo Centonze, CEO of HeiQ said.
“Customers worldwide are interested in the latest technologies, especially when it comes to textile hygiene and additional protection. Back in spring we became interested in the innovation developed by HeiQ and its application opportunities. We performed countless tests and trials until we have successfully adapted this textile technology in our production,” Petras Jašinskas, managing director of Utenos said.
Over 50 new types of fabric are developed at Utenos in a year and the collection consists of over 8,000 various articles. Natural, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly organic or recycled fibres are the priority of recent years. Utenos offers its customers materials from fibres with soybean, seaweed, coffee ground, and recycled land and ocean plastics. So far customers have been opting for technologies that give fabrics antibacterial and fast-drying properties. Mineral-enriched fabrics are also popular in textile production. It is likely that in the post-pandemic reality, the textiles treated with agents that neutralise various infections may come to the fore.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (GK)
Utenos trikotazas of the SBA group has joined hands with the Swiss textile innovation company, HeiQ, and successfully applied its revolutionary HeiQ Viroblock technology to its textile manufacturing. This unique technology has been proven 99.99 per cent effective against SARS-CoV-2, the strain of coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease COVID-19.