While antiviral/ antimicrobial technology is not new, such tech-fabrics have been gaining prominence in recent weeks with texpreneurs investing considerable time in putting together a range of sustainable fabrics with antimicrobial properties.

Coimbatore-headquartered denim fabric manufacturing major KG Denim has introduced a rechargeable chlorinated- finish smart technology product called ‘BioRefresh’.

B Sriramulu, Managing Director, KG Denim, said: “It was developed in-house; our technology enables the fabric to repeatedly absorb chlorine from commonly available detergents like Rin Ala to disinfect the fabric and remains effective up to 80 washes. The products antimicrobial and antiviral power is renewed with every bleach wash, during normal laundry processes.”

The chlorine on the surface of the fabric has been found “not harmful” and “will pass skin sensitivity tests”. Tests have shown that the effect on the fabric lasts up to two weeks.

Surface contamination is a major cause for transmission of infectious diseases. Textiles are a good media for the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses, albeit under humidity and warmth. It is not only important to kill these microbes, but destroy them at a faster rate to avoid the transmission.

BioRefresh products are recommended for use in hospitals, schools, canteen and food packaging industry. The company is in the process of patenting both the technology and trademark.

Sriramulu added that an environmentally sustainable neem-based product is also in the offing. This would be mainly for production of mask.

comment COMMENT NOW