A collaboration among textile companies 2A-Nyguard, Coats, HeiQ, Vagotex and SITIP has resulted in Just 5, a jacket infused with HeiQ Viroblock, offering protection from spoilage by contaminating microorganisms in just five minutes.
The treatment does not protect the wearer or others against food-borne or disease-causing bacteria, but the jacket sets up a highly effective barrier to shield the wearer from spoiling contaminants in the surrounding area, the companies claim.
Just5, an initiative of five material manufacturers, is said to offer many life-enhancing features. All components in the Just5 jacket are individually available for any apparel or home textile brands to create their own innovations.
Carlo Centonze, co-founder and CEO of HeiQ Group, described the alliance as “a super team comprised of our industry’s five most innovative companies.”
“I am thrilled and looking forward to the launch of HeiQ’s first commercialized high-tech garment,” he added. “More importantly, any brand can now simply take parts from these suppliers and make their own, 100 percent ‘viroblocked’ garments.”
The 2A-Nuguard Nyshield zippers are self-sanitizing and will restore their usability in just five minutes after every touch. 2A is a pioneer in zipper production in Europe since the 1930s.
Coats ProtectV sewing thread adds anti-microbial and anti-viral properties to every stitch. HeiQ Viroblock technology was originally developed to treat face masks registered by Swiss Medic as a medical device. Respirator masks treated with the same technology are authorized by U.S. Food & Drug Administration.
SITIP warp-knitted elastic fabric for the extendable cuffs of Just5 shield the hands when touching potentially contaminated surfaces. Warp-knitting is fabric technology that prevents a yarn from laddering after a tear. Windtex Vagotex is a breathable, water-repellent and wind-resistant fabric.
“Together we have demonstrated the power of industry collaboration,” Ronan Cox, president of Performance Materials at Coats, said. “By pooling our expertise, we have developed a solution to the challenge of people wanting to restore normality to their everyday lives, but also be protected. Coats is passionate about innovation and is proud to be part of this first in garment technology.”
Finished jackets are expected to be available by the end of Fall.