#Textile chemistry

2021-04-29

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.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

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.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.