A decade-long collaboration between Swiss textile innovator HeiQ and Spanish premium synthetic fiber manufacturer Nylstar has resulted in the innovation of a new premium antiviral and antimicrobial textile with zero-pollution sustainable benefits: Meryl Skinlife Force powered by HeiQ Viroblock Permanent, winner of the ISPO Textrends Award for the Best Product.
Since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, HeiQ and Nylstar pooled resources to create a premium synthetic fiber that was sustainable, antimicrobial and durable. A development speed of just six months resulted in the launch of HeiQ Viroblock Permanent, a new technology under the successful HeiQ Viroblock technology platform.
The new technology is used exclusively on Meryl Skinlife Force, an innovative hi-tech fabric that combines the silver-ion active principle antimicrobial properties developed by HeiQ and Nylstar’s hydrogen-based technology that allows the creation of yarns with a strong molecular cohesion structure. The hydrogen molecular structure makes Meryl Skinlife Force a high-performance fabric for moisture management and breathability, offering natural stretch without elastane, as well as strong durability thanks to its continuous and high-tenacity filaments.
The robust durability of HeiQ Viroblock Permanent is achieved through the silver particles being added directly into the raw polymer of the yarn, keeping these properties active for the lifetime of garments. Fabric samples successfully demonstrated an antimicrobial efficacy with more than 99.99 percent reduction of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria after 100 washes. Antiviral testing is underway.
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“With the launch of HeiQ Viroblock Permanent on this premium fabric that can be implemented in environments with high hygienic and sanitary requirements such as medical, hospitality and sports, HeiQ and Nylstar aim to make a strong social contribution to stemming the spread of the global pandemic and for post-pandemic use, delivering on our mission to improve lives of billions of people,” Carlo Centonze, co-founder and CEO of HeiQ, said.
Nylstar’s zero microfiber release in combination with HeiQ Viroblock Permanent technology also brings the textile industry the necessary quality and touch without polluting air and water. Meryl Skinlife Force HeiQ Viroblock Permanent hi-tech fabric is certified by Standard 100 Oeko-Tex assuring the consumer that the product is free of harmful substances and all 100 percent Meryl fabrics are completely and infinitely recyclable without suffering any loss of performance, for a fully sustainable and circular economy.
“Meryl Skinlife Force powered by HeiQ Viroblock Permanent is fabricated to meet the most exacting requirements on performance and sustainability of consumers in today’s day and age,” said Alfonso Cirera, executive chairman of Nylstar.