#Textile chemistry

2020-07-02

HeiQ Viroblock certified as cosmetic grade & bio-based renewable

HeiQ’s antiviral textile technology, HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 has been certified as safe and sustainable as all its ingredients are cosmetic grade, bio-based and recycled.

Leading the international textile industry to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, HeiQ recently launched HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03, an antiviral and antibacterial textile treatment proven to reduce 99.99% of human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, along with other enveloped viruses and bacteria.

Viruses and bacteria can remain infective on textile surfaces for days. Human Coronavirus SARS-CoV persist for up to 2 days on surgical gowns* at room temperature. Antiviral treatments for textiles contribute to more hygienic and safer textile products and can help mitigate the risk of contamination and transmission. While the global textile industry is rapidly adopting antiviral textile treatments to bring antiviral masks, clothes and home fabrics to the market, it is important to consider the profile of different technologies including questions of toxicity, safety, antimicrobial resistance, and wastewater treatment.

The HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is a formulation that contains a minute amount of recycled silver active ingredient and fatty liposome vesicle components. It is EU REACH and US FIFRA compliant, OEKOTEX® certified, ZDHC and bluesign® homologized. Treated textile articles are compliant with EU BPR and US EPA. HeiQ Viroblock respirator masks with antibacterial and antiviral surface have been registered as medical device by Swissmedic and approved by US FDA.

“Since HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 was designed for use on face masks to impart enhanced protection against viruses and bacteria, we selected only the most effective, safest and most sustainable ingredients. Furthermore, we are proud that HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 qualifies as a bio-based renewable product and is 100% made from INCI approved cosmetic ingredients,” says Carlo Centonze, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of HeiQ Group.

Beta Analytics Testing Laboratory has certified that HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 contains 72% bio-based carbon. Test results are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 Testing Accreditation PJLA #59423 standards. HeiQ Viroblock NPJO3 is currently undergoing homologation for the USDA bio-preferred certification. Specialities S.R.L (Italy), a surface chemistry research and development company, has also confirmed that all ingredients of HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 are selected from the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI).

“HeiQ is grounded in the pursuit of innovation that helps to bring a positive benefit to the World. Designing products with safe and sustainable components, such as the HeiQ Viroblock technology, is central to that mission,” says Dr. Murray Height, co-founder and Chief Science Officer of HeiQ Group.

*Kampf G, Todt D, Pfaender S, Steinmann E. Persistence of coronaviruses on inanimate surfaces and its inactivation with biocidal agents. Journal of Hospital Infection. 2020 Feb 6.

Texprocess 2026: Automation, digitalisation and AI redefine textile processing

Making investment decisions in textile processing has become significantly more demanding. Increasing energy costs, a shortage of skilled labour and ongoing geopolitical uncertainties are compelling companies to focus on technologies that deliver clear gains in efficiency and process reliability. This applies equally to apparel manufacturing and to the processing of technical textiles and high-performance materials. As a result, modernisation initiatives are assessed more carefully – even as the need to upgrade production systems continues to intensify.

Techtextil 2026: Between innovation pressure & market reality

From 21 to 24 April 2026, Techtextil in Frankfurt am Main will once again become the central meeting point for the international technical textiles and nonwovens industry. Running in parallel, Texprocess will focus on the industrial implementation of textile processing technologies as the leading platform in this field. Together, the two trade fairs form a closely integrated presentation and working platform along the entire textile value chain – from material development to finished applications.

Between geopolitical pressure and industrial resilience

In this interview, Dr. Janpeter Horn (VDMA) discusses the current challenges facing textile machinery manufacturers, shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory developments and subdued investment. He also outlines why innovation strength, integrated solutions and strategic positioning remain key to global competitiveness.

SOKO presents low-impact denim finishing innovations at Denim PV Milan

SOKO will present a range of sustainable denim finishing technologies and collaborative projects at the upcoming Denim Première Vision Milan on 20–21 May in Milan. At booth G27 in Superstudio Più, the company will showcase new chemical solutions designed to combine fashionable denim effects with reduced environmental impact.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

INDEX 2026: Reicofil introduces RF 5.10 upgrade boosting output by 10 percent

At INDEX 2026, Reifenhäuser Reicofil will present its latest developments for the nonwovens industry under the guiding themes “Grow Together”, “Expand Together” and “Transform Together”. On this occasion, the leading manufacturer of nonwoven machinery will be unveiling two brand-new technology advancements – RF 5.10 upgrade and RF Core – at the show.

Tradition and Innovation – Phoenox Textiles Ltd. relies on state-of-the-art carpet back-coating line from Brückner

For more than 70 years, Phoenox Textiles Ltd. has been synonymous with quality, reliability, and inno-vation in the textile industry. Founded in 1954 in Huddersfield (Yorkshire, UK), a region with a long tradition in textiles, this family-owned business has continued to evolve without losing sight of its roots. Today, in its fourth generation under the leadership of the Mosley family, Phoenox successfully combines decades of experience with a clear, forward-looking corporate strategy.

Uster FiberQ excels for recycled raw materials too

Uster FiberQ is a complete solution for raw material utilization, supporting spinners to achieve consistent quality and profitability every day, building further growth for the future. The Turkish company ORTA relies on FiberQ with recycled yarn for its denim production. Data-driven knowledge puts the producer in control of raw material utilization – ready to make the correct decisions for process efficiency, quality and productivity.

EFI brings high-performance display graphics, packaging, and textile printing innovations to FESPA 2026

Electronics For Imaging, Inc. (EFI™) is bringing a broad range of new hybrid, roll-to-roll, and textile inkjet innovations to FESPA Global Print Expo 2026, taking place 19-22 May at Fira Barcelona Gran Via. Visitors to the EFI stand (Hall 3, #C85) will see the new EFI VUTEk M3h X hybrid LED printer, new EFI VUTEk® FabriVU® 340 i8 eight-colour dye sublimation printer, the EFI VUTEk X5r roll-to-roll LED printer, and the EFI VUTEk Q3h XP seven-colour hybrid printer in action, each designed to help sign and display producers scale output, diversify applications, and drive more profitable growth.