[pageLogInLogOut]

#Textile chemistry

AFFIX Labs and leading seat manufacturer Franz Kiel strike deal to use Si-Quat, an anti-microbial coating

AFFIX Labs’ anti-microbial surface coating is being deployed to protect public transport interiors from contagious microbes such as the SARS-COV-2 virus, by Kiel, a global leader in the manufacture of transportation seating

Millions of people rely on public transport infrastructure every day and it will be crucial to the opening of economies after COVID-19 lockdowns around the world. Yet many viruses and bacteria, including the SARS-COV-2 virus, can survive for up to 3 days on some surfaces, meaning regularly touched areas in public spaces have the potential to be cross contamination hotspots.

AFFIX Labs and leading seat manufacturer Franz Kiel GmbH strike deal to use Si-Quat, an anti-microbial coating effective against the virus that causes COVID-19, for the global transportation industry.<br />
(Photo © 2021 by AFFIX Labs)
AFFIX Labs and leading seat manufacturer Franz Kiel GmbH strike deal to use Si-Quat, an anti-microbial coating effective against the virus that causes COVID-19, for the global transportation industry. (Photo © 2021 by AFFIX Labs)


Now, AFFIX Labs’ durable semi-permanent surface coating Si-Quat, that is proven to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including SARS-COV-2, will be helping to make public transport safer as people around the world begin getting back onto buses and trains.



Si-Quat helps to prevent cross contamination with a durable layer of polymerized active ingredient that binds to walls, handles, furniture, and other key touch points, staying in place for up to 12 months and killing 99.9% of viruses and bacteria that come into contact with the treated surface. The coating has been tested and certified to be effective against bacteria, viruses, and fungi, and has passed the rigorous EN45545-2 HL3 flammability norm for trains and REG118.3 for busses.

Kiel has been manufacturing high quality seating for public transport globally for more than 75 years and will now be offering Si-Quat to clients as a new solution to protect travellers on their transport networks. With Si-Quat already registered on several continents a quick roll out is truly achievable.

“We are delighted to be working with AFFIX Labs to roll out Si-Quat in public transport systems around the world. It’s easy to apply, it works and we have had great support from the AFFIX-Labs team. We hope that our partnership can help to re-open countries and boost passengers trust in once again using public transport,” said Daniel Fräde, Kiel’s Sales Director Bus Division.

By treating the vast fleets of vehicles that power the mass movement of people in countries all over the world, AFFIX and Kiel Seating can create safe transportation interiors which are a key component of national infrastructures. We are proud to be part of the global effort to build a more future-proof response to COVID-19, and other contagions that have the potential to cause pandemics” concluded Tom Sam, CEO of AFFIX Labs.



More News from TEXDATA International

#Texprocess 2026

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

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.

#Techtextil 2026

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.

#Texprocess 2026

Between investment restraint and modernization pressure

Texprocess 2026 takes place in a complex market environment shaped by uncertainty and innovation pressure. In this interview, Elgar Straub (VDMA) explains why the trade fair is particularly relevant this year and which technologies are driving efficiency and competitiveness.

More News on Textile chemistry

#Denim

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.

#Sustainability

bluesign technologies introduces bluepass

bluesign technologies ag (www.bluesign.com) today announces the launch of bluepass, a new certification mark and product labeling system created to deliver clear, substantiated, and verifiable sustainability claims at scale.

#Textile chemistry

Officina39 expands in South Asia with dual trade show presence and new low-impact dyeing innovation

Officina39 reinforces its strategic expansion in South Asia by announcing its participation in two key textile industry events in Bangladesh and India, alongside the launch of a new solution designed to reduce the environmental impact of reactive dyeing.

#Techtextil 2026

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.

Latest News

#Home Textiles

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

#ITM 2026

Groz-Beckert brings new knitting, weaving and nonwovens technologies to ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, 2026, Groz-Beckert will present its latest innovations and solutions across the product areas of Knitting, Weaving and Nonwovens at ITM in Istanbul (Hall 3, Booth 304B).

#ITM 2026

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Global size study for brands and retailers to optimize fit and market coverage

Hohenstein Apparel Fit Solutions, a global leader in apparel fit, sizing, and product development, today announces the launch of its Global Size Study, a new initiative designed to equip brands to better understand and serve their target consumers through more accurate, market-relevant sizing.

TOP