TEXTILES.ORG
Polygiene AB, solution provider in odor control and stay-fresh technologies continues to advance the development and production of ViralOff® technology, which the company says reduces over 99 percent of viruses in two hours on treated fabrics. Polygiene partner and sportswear brand Maloja was able to adapt their EU production facility and make available a consumer face mask that uses the ViralOff technology. The company will have two styles available, starting with a launch of their Reusable Mask 2.0 in May.
Launched on April 7th, ViralOff is now coming to market with early adapters to combat the novel coronavirus. The treatment provides brands a technology that can be applied to textiles and used for garments, gear or accessories to minimize the potential risks of having viruses in the fabric. The product is typically applied at the finishing stage of production, and according to the company, it has been tested against Influenza A, BirdFlu, Norovirus and Corona (SARS) over the years, and in all cases, achieves over 99 percent level of reduction.
The Maloja mask design includes a three-layer reusable mouth-nose mask made of breathable polyester fabric with a nose clip and elastic bands for a comfortable position around the head and neck. The mask seals the face and is suitable to wear with glasses and hearing aids. Later in May, Maloja will have an additional offering with the Reusable Mask 3.0.
Sven Kohler, head of production at Maloja notes, “As we are a sportswear brand, we are dealing with functional materials and finishings almost every day. Once we started developing face masks it was totally clear to put the same efforts into this product as we do for our functional clothing. Therefore, we believe a three-layer construction plus ViralOff finishing on top, offers superior function without any compromises.”
Spanish partner, General Tactic who provides apparel and textiles for first responders in Spain and North America, has also adapted and is producing ViralOff treated masks for these service workers.
Additional European adapters include fellow German brand, Everbasics that just launched a scarf design that will provide coverage for the nose and mouth. Polish brand, Lekko has adapted its offering to now include ViralOff and has multiple options for protection.
Others include, Spira Protekta from Germany and U.K. provider, Screenworks that will launch a facemask and neck gaiter option. Polygiene has launched with brands outside of Europe, as well.