HeiQ has received the first prize in the Swiss Technology Awards, the leading technology prize in Switzerland, for its breakthrough antiviral textile technology HeiQ Viroblock and its contribution to stemming the spread of the global pandemic.
Developed in record time and launched after Swiss authorities announced the lockdown in March, HeiQ Viroblock has had a major impact on the global textile industry and is being adopted by mills around the world. Some of the brands that have adopted HeiQ Viroblock are Burberry, Mammut, Cornelia James, DL1961, SertaSimmons Bedding, Outdoor Research, Buff, Craighoppers, Aviro, Albini, Malwee and the Medical Supply Company of Switzerland.
HeiQ Viroblock has been proven to be one of the world’s most efficient and effective antiviral/antimicrobial technologies and has been applied by more than 150 brands worldwide to over 1 billion products from face masks and apparel to home textiles such as mattresses and curtains.
What exemplifies HeiQ Viroblock is its ability to turn any fabric antiviral. It’s among the first textile technologies in the world to be proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).
HeiQ Viroblock consists of a combination of HeiQ’s patent-pending vesicle and silver technologies. The two mechanisms of attack result in 99.9 percent destruction of viruses in five minutes. HeiQ Viroblock is a patent-pending formulation of 72 percent bio-based ingredients, made with 100 percent cosmetic-grade materials from the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients list.
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In just two months compared with an average launch time of 12 to 18 months, HeiQ unveiled the new antiviral textile technology HeiQ Viroblock on March 16–two hours after Switzerland declared a state of emergency. HeiQ brought HeiQ Viroblock face masks and other PPE to different corners of the world. Now, Swiss consumers can also acquire HeiQ Viroblock enhanced face masks online.
“I am both amazed and honored that HeiQ has won this award a second time in just 10 years and from among some incredible tech innovation finalists,” CEO Carlo Centonze said. “It confirms our resolve to push the boundaries and push innovations to help the world with its most pressing and imminent problems. This award is recognition for our company and team that have spared no efforts to develop and launch HeiQ Viroblock at such speed and make a valuable contribution to the global pandemic efforts. We remain true to our mission: enhancing the everyday lives of people with smart and efficient textile effects.”
HeiQ has supplied Viroblock to some 300 customers globally since its launch and is estimated to have been applied to more than 1 billion masks worldwide.