Girbau and HeiQ join forces to “viroblock” clothes and textiles by a new laundering process

Swiss textile technology HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is among the first textile technologies in the world to be proven effective against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus causing COVID-19) and has been applied by more than 150 brands worldwide to over 1 billion face masks. Made with 100% cosmetic grade ingredients, HeiQ Viroblock combines two mechanisms of attack resulting in an over 99.99% destruction of various kinds of viruses and bacteria, according to tests performed per ISO 18184 and ISO 20743 standards. Until today, HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is added to textiles through one of two methods. One method is to add it to the textile and fix it on the fibers permanently during the manufacturing process of the textile at the textile mill before a fabric is cut and sewn into finished goods, such as clothes, sheets and towels. For products that did not come inherently with the treatment from the factory, one can spray on the diluted formulation onto finished goods and air dry. Both processes convert the textiles into an antiviral and antimicrobial surface. This is the first time the application of an industrial antiviral treatment has been achieved during the laundry process, adding extra protection to the garments when they are already in the market, offering a protection during their whole life span. This also shows that HeiQ Viroblock has the potential to become a post-treatment product for laundered goods.

Under this collaboration, Girbau will initially focus on a B2B offering, with a particular focus on bringing enhanced antimicrobial and antiviral protection to garments and textiles used in the healthcare and hospitality sector.

“I am thrilled with the partnership between HeiQ and Girbau, as it represents an important milestone in our journey to create textile treatment solutions that have a positive impact on people. Especially given the current circumstances, which have people to be anxious, businesses have a responsibility to offer solutions which protect their communities. This partnership is another positive leap in terms of differentiating Girbau’s offering in the laundry sector. The partnership demonstrates once again how two innovative companies can contribute to a better world by joining forces,” said Mr. Serge Joris, president of Girbau, “the following phrase says it all: If one wants to go FAST, one goes alone. If one wants to go FAR, one collaborates!”

“This collaboration with Girbau opens up a new method to add HeiQ Viroblock antiviral properties through a post-treatment to textile products. This makes our Swiss Technology Award-winning antimicrobial technology available for protecting more textiles and benefiting more people,” said HeiQ co-founder and group CEO, Mr. Carlo Centonze.