Living through a pandemic has made us all hyper-aware of the germs and bacteria lingering around us. Many of us went to great lengths to keep ourselves and our homes clean from anything we thought could make us sick.

This has driven the demand for fabrics with antimicrobial properties. Traditionally, fabrics have an antimicrobial surface treatment applied to them after they are produced. While this approach works initially, it’s not permanent, nor sustainable. Eventually, surface treatments wear off and what’s worse, leach into the water during washings.

But what if instead of a topical treatment, the fabric itself protected against microbes? The very thread it’s made of has permanent, sustainable antimicrobial performance?

Such a technology does exist. United Kingdom-based Novel Technologies has created a new technology called SILVERbac that uses the natural properties of silver to develop sustainable antimicrobial textiles that remain effective for the product’s life. Because SILVERbac is not a finish nor a coating, it is superior to topical applications and can be used in a wide variety of residential and commercial textile applications.

Growing Demand for Antimicrobial Fabrics

In recent years, the demand for antimicrobial products skyrocketed, especially in certain sectors. “Hygiene became the most important trend in multiple industries like hospitality, travel and healthcare,” said Kutluhan Samataci, CEO of SILVERbac/Novel Technologies. “A lot of companies are promoting their facilities, services and products as clean, sanitized, or hygienic.”

This demand has expanded into home products, according to Samataci. “We see multiple retailers and brands adapting antimicrobial applications for their home textile products,” he added.

However, fabrics with antimicrobial treatments may not be performing the way they think. Topical treatments rest on the surface of a fabric and wear off over time due to the agitation and cleaning agents used during washing. This not only diminishes the antimicrobial performance of the fabric, but also has the potential to damage the environment. When the fabric is washed, the treatment leaches into the wastewater, which can affect downstream water quality and end up in the local environment.

SILVERbac offers a solution that is both permanent and sustainable. Through the innovative process, silver is added within the fiber itself, giving any fabric made with it permanent antimicrobial performance.

Using Silver’s Natural Properties

Silver, like other metals such as copper and gold, has natural antimicrobial properties. It has been used as an agent against harmful bacteria for hundreds of years. But making a fabric antimicrobial by adding these natural metals, without coming off, has been the challenge.

SILVERbac is introduced at the polymer stage of spinning synthetic yarns instead of at the end of the product cycle in dyeing and finishing. When working with natural fibers like cotton, it can be blended with SILVERbac fiber at very low percentages.

“By incorporating silver into the polymer, it stays built-in and performs during the lifetime of the product, will never leach, and will never wash off,” said Samataci. “It’s an ideal technology to use for home textiles.”

SILVERbac has been shown to provide protection from bacteria, mold, fungi and even viruses at a very effective rate. It can be added at very low quantities without impact to the feel or appearance of the product. SILVERbac is also traceable, it can be detected with a simple one-second test to ensure the fabric offers the protection you want.

SILVERbac’s patented technology is non-toxic and environmentally friendly. It is registered with the EPA and is a listed Oeko-Tex ACP. The technology is durable and can withstand high temperature washing and chemicals such as bleach, yet fabrics enhanced with it can also be washed cold and fewer times, which saves water and energy.

Not only is SILVERbac eco-friendly from a leaching standpoint, but the antimicrobial performance of the product is unprecedented. It has been tested to 99.9%+ levels while only using a small amount of SILVERbac in the product. Because less silver needed for a product to perform, brands now have an option for antimicrobial products that are sustainable, effective and will not break the bank.

Want to Add SILVERbac to Your Products?

Providing products that are sustainable and long-lasting is incredibly important in today’s climate. You can learn more about how to add SILVERbac to your products by visiting www.silverbactech.com.

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