#Nonwovens / Technical Textiles

2021-03-25

Toray’s MAKSPEC® V antiviral textile proves effective in combating COVID-19

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that its tests on samples of MAKSPEC® V have confirmed the effectiveness of that antiviral textile (see note 1) in reducing concentrations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2). The company developed this 100% polyester offering in March 2020. It delivers exceptional washability and comfort.

Toray used the JISL 1922 antiviral test for textile products. It exposed samples to COVID-19 and measured concentrations two hours later. As with earlier experimentation using the ATCC VR-1679 envelope strain, the company confirmed that the fabric reduced more than 99.9% of COVID-19 viruses on textiles. It obtained this same result even after 50 industrial washing cycles, underscoring the fabric’s solid antiviral performance.

To date, Toray has positioned MAKSPEC® V to reduce envelope-type virus. In view of the latest findings, the company will market this textile for customer service, nursing, and school uniforms for which demand to safeguard from COVID-19 is high. It also envisages expanding applications for this textile to also include sportswear, casual apparel, fashionwear, and children’s clothing.

Toray will draw on the textile processing technology it amassed in developing materials for uniforms, which demand exceptional functionality, to create textiles that provide outstanding performance and added value by combining comfort and safety, thus contributing to social progress.

The outline and results of this test are as follows:

1. Test overview

- Test methodology: JISL1922 antiviral test for textile products

- Virus: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2

- Infection measurement technique: Plaque assay

- Material tested: One piece of 100% polyester fabric

2. Test results

- Two hours of testing reduced more than 99.9% of the virus on polyester fibers

- Same effect confirmed after 50 commercial washing cycles

Note: Findings from measurements with single piece of 100% MAKSPEC® V polyester fabrics do not guarantee performance of MAKSPEC® V

3. About MAKSPEC® V

(1) Product features

a. High antiviral performance (antiviral activity value at or exceeding 3.0)

SEK Mark certification acquired (see note 2)

b. Excellent commercial washing durability

c. Soft texture and dye fastness retained

(2) Technical overview

(a) Employs an antiviral agent with high affinity for polyester and reduces envelope strains (two hours of testing reduced more than 99.9% of viruses on polyester fibers).

(b) Unique processing technology that incorporates antiviral agents in polyester fibers (textile feels soft and is highly robust)

(3) Notes on product planning

- MAKSPEC® V cannot be used in masks or other items close to mouths and nostrils or in items for children up to 24 months.

- MAKSPEC® V is not intended to treat or prevent any disease.

- MAKSPEC® V is not intended to inhibit the action of viruses.

Notes

1. Processed to reduce the number of specific viruses on fibers.

2. • Test methodology: JIS L 1922 antiviral test for textile products

• Infection measurement technique: Plaque assay

• Tested with ATCC VR-1679 envelope strain

• Material tested: 100% polyester textile

Toray develops recycling technology that retains carbon fiber strength and surface quality

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a recycling technology that can decompose diverse carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) made from thermosetting resins while retaining the strength and surface quality of those fibers. The company drew on this technology to create a nonwoven fabric employing recycled carbon fibers.

HEAD launches more sustainable(1) BOOM RAW racquet on Earth Day by using Toray’s bio-circular carbon fibers

HEAD continues to innovate with the launch of the BOOM RAW tennis racquet, an encouraging development in the search for a more sustainable future for racquet sports. All of the carbon fibers are bio-circular carbon fibers in the limited-edition and highly innovative BOOM RAW racquet, which offers the same explosive power - along with the same fun, feel and easy playability - as the regular, in-line BOOM racquet. The bio-circular carbon fibers are manufactured by Toray and its subsidiary Toray Carbon Fibers Europe.

Toray develops durable reverse osmosis membrane

Toray Industries, Inc., announced today that it has developed a highly durable reverse osmosis (RO) membrane (see glossary note 1). This innovative offering guarantees the long-term provision of high-quality water. It also maintains the superior removal performance of Toray’s existing membranes vital for reusing industrial wastewater and treating sewage.

ANDRITZ sets focus on textile recycling and durable nonwoven production technologies at ITMA Asia 2025

International technology Group ANDRITZ will be presenting its innovative nonwovens production and textile solutions at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2025 in Singapore, from October 28 to 31, 2025 (Hall 2, D106). ANDRITZ will showcase its MMCF production plants, textile sorting and recycling, bast fiber processing, needlepunch, airlay, and life-cycle service technologies, with a focus on sustainable solutions. Discover how these innovations can grow your business opportunities and support a greener future.

OUTLOOK™ 2025: Charting a sustainable and innovative future for the Nonwovens Industry

EDANA concluded its flagship event, OUTLOOK™ 2025, last week, marking it as a major success and addressing the biggest questions facing the industry. The three-day conference highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach to sustainability, regulation, and innovation in the absorbent hygiene and wipes sectors.

Global Nonwovens Alliance unveils Inaugural Board, advancing collaboration and growth worldwide

The Global Nonwovens Alliance (GNA), a tax-exempt federation jointly founded by INDA, the Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry, and EDANA, the Voice of Nonwovens, announces the appointment of its founding Board of Directors. This group of leaders represents some of the most influential executives across the nonwovens value chain and reflects GNA’s mission to foster global collaboration, innovation, and growth in the industry.

Navis TubeTex announces U.S. partnership with Icomatex

Navis TubeTex, a global leader in advanced dyeing and finishing machinery solutions, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Icomatex (www.icomatex.com), a respected European manufacturer of high-quality stenters and textile finishing equipment. Under this agreement, Navis TubeTex will exclusively represent the Icomatex stenter line in the United States.

ADVANSA launches ADVA®tex: A new step toward textile-to-textile recycling

ADVANSA has introduced ADVA®tex, a new filling fibre made entirely from recycled pre-consumer textile waste, positioning the material as a significant step forward in textile-to-textile (T2T) recycling. The fibre is designed for use in duvets, pillows, mattresses, and furniture applications and is available in three versions.

KARL MAYER celebrates 35 years of EL pattern drive

KARL MAYER is celebrating an anniversary this year: on 30 November 1990, the first warp knitting machine with electronic guide bar control, the KS 4 EL, was delivered – another milestone for patterning. As early as 1980, the SU gearbox with the MRS42SU had initiated the transition from mechanical chains to digital data.