Microban International, the global leader in antimicrobial, odour control and surface modification technologies, has announced a new antimicrobial technology, Aegis Vesta, that will debut at Interzum to be held from May 21-24 in Cologne, Germany. Interzum is the world’s leading trade fair for furniture production and interior design held every two years.

Aegis Vesta is one of the first quat saline based antimicrobial odour control solutions that can be pad applied on woven and knitted cotton home textiles and garments such as sheets, dish towels and denim, said Microban in a media statement. Outperforming most industry standards, Aegis Vesta reduces 99.9 per cent of odour-causing bacteria for up to 50HL, as opposed to 25HL that most quat saline-based technologies work to. With improved moisture management, an Aegis Vesta treated cotton fabric will absorb moisture 20 times faster than conventional quat saline antimicrobials. Additionally, Aegis Vesta can withstand high-temperature washes, including some hospitality settings, for up to 50 home launderings.

“We knew there was a market need for an effective odour control solution for products with woven or knitted cotton rich fabrics like denim, underwear, sheets and dish towels. We developed Aegis Vesta specifically with the goal of reducing the growth of bacteria, mould, mildew and fungi that cause deterioration and foul odours in these products,” said Brian Aylward, senior director of Microban Global Textiles. “Without antimicrobial protection, products we come in contact with, especially home textiles, are more susceptible to bacterial growth. Now, Aegis Vesta is a proven, sustainable solution that can help products stay fresher and last longer and give consumers more peace-of-mind.”

Aegis Vesta is directly applied as a durable finish on the textile during the manufacturing process. When bacteria come into contact with the treated surface, it is punctured, preventing bacteria from growing and reproducing. As a quat saline based technology, BPB testing can confirm the presence of Aegis Vesta on treated fabric in minutes, whether at a manufacturing site or a laboratory testing facility. (PC)