The Company Polygiene based in Sweden is building the brand Polygiene® around odor control functionality and Polygiene Stays Fresh® solutions for consumers. In a recent press conference on 30th June 2020 Polygiene announced it is developing a new formula which will provide testable lifetime of garment viral reduction.
Even after 30 washes, the ViralOff+ treated products will reduce more than 99% of the viruses in two hours. The new formula will not be available until later in the fall, with no set date, as laboratory test availability and other factors are hard to predict during the ongoing crisis. “Today, there is some confusion in the market since some claims to washability in fact relies on tests that are not antiviral, but antibacterial”, says Daniel Röme, Chief Technology Officer of Polygiene. “While some applications can be washed gently, handwashed, or lasts a few tougher machine washes, very few clearly claim they can achieve the rigors of proper antiviral testing after 20 or 30 washes.”
Many products might not have to be washed at all because of viruses or odor, but some inevitably will and then we need to be clear with expectations of how long the effect lasts. “The demand from the fashion market has put pressure to increase wash durability”, says Ulrika Björk, CEO of Polygiene “While we still believe lesser washes are always a good thing, we also want to make sure effectiveness is maintained and product lifetime is extended.”
Polygiene is building its brand by actively working with the entire value chain from development and manufacturing at subcontractor sites to marketing, distribution and active customer support. In Bangladesh Polygiene is marketed by Tootal Quality Resources Ltd. As the world is passing a pandemic situation due to COVID-19 virus, Polygiene ViralOff®+ is a timely product for the industry. Dr. Engr. Md. Kamruzzaman, Managing Director, Tootal Quality Resources Ltd. mentioned, “Every crisis brings opportunity, Covid19 pandemic gives a breakthrough for the Bangladesh apparel industry not only to step in PPE production but also to diversify it’s finished product focusing on sustainability. Expertise of Polygiene will definitely help our local textile industries by adding significant value to the end product. “
Textile Focus editorial team talked with Polygiene team regarding “ViralOff”, key discussion points are mentioned below for our readers-
What are the benefits of ViralOff?
-ViralOff has a 99% reduction of viruses, in a textile or material, over two hours, according to a standard ISO18184:2019 test. When we developed ViralOff, we had two criteria we wanted to fulfill: First, we should be able to show a real antiviral effect that could be tested by the standard test. In that way, our partners can make actual and professional claims. Secondly, this treatment should be applied on products where it is relevant to have an antiviral effect. Today that englobes both products in the care segments, as well as products for the public in environments where we need additional protection.
Does it help against all viruses?
-We have tested the active ingredient against Influenza A, BirdFlu, Norovirus and Corona (SARS) over the years, and in all cases, we have achieved 99% levels of reduction. What we bring with the ISO18184:2019 is a standard test for the determination of the antiviral activity of textile products in a two-hour timespan, where it has to reduce the virus by 99%, to pass. This test uses viruses of the Influenza A strain, but we can use more and other virus strains as they become available.
How long does it last?
-It is a durable and always-on treatment. For best performance and sustainability, wash less and only when needed.
How does it work?
-ViralOff stops viral activity through interaction with key proteins. It shows a 99% reduction of many different viruses, on a treated material, within 2 hours. It is shown by test ISO18184:2019, on two different Influenza A strains, ATCC VR-1679 (H3N2) and ATCC VR-1469 (H1N1).
Can ViralOff be used next-to-skin?
Yes, it does not affect the skin as it doesn’t interfere with the skin’s natural bacterial flora.
How is it applied?
-Normally, it is applied to the fabric at the finishing stage of production. As several treatments can be simultaneously applied, no additional water or energy is needed and the impact on the environment is reduced.
Where is it produced?
-The ingredient chemistry is manufactured in the EU with minimal use of resources and following strict environmental regulations.
Does it have any environmental certifications?
-The product is certified by Oeko-tex® Eco Passports and in the process of being certified by bluesign®.
What is ViralOff made of?
-The active ingredient is a biocide and it is made of a reaction mass of titanium dioxide and silver chloride and the product is not nano-silver. This information is presented on the mandatory hangtags, that are provided to partners.
In which products can it be used?
-It can be used in almost any wearable product, which ranges from personal protection equipment and scrubs for healthcare workers, doctors, nurses as well as first responders wear, to products for consumers where an antiviral functionality is relevant, such as gloves and facemasks, as well as bed sheets and even furniture and handheld devices. An added advantage will be that these products also can be used longer.
Can we do any healthcare claims?
-No, we don’t make any health claims. This is for the protection of the treated product. If, when and how this also is beneficial for the user depends on many other things. For instance, a face mask will never stop viruses from going through it, but we can ensure viruses don’t live in and on it for long. Does this mean in any way that we can say you stay healthy? Of course not. Can we say it is a protection for the mask itself? Yes! And it will make your mask last longer too.
