Noble Biomaterials, the maker of antimicrobial solutions for soft surface applications, reported its latest antimicrobial technology had received official EPA registration.
Ionic+ Botanical uses a bio-based registered citric acid formula to inhibit the growth of microbes and reduce odor on fabric and other soft surfaces. Noble Biomaterials began the development of the proprietary Ionic+ Botanical formula in 2021 and filed for EPA registration as part of the development process. Registering the citric acid-based active formula allows Noble’s licensed partners to claim antimicrobial benefits, including odor control and surface protection for performance fabric applications.
Citric Acid is one of the most commonly used ingredients in food and beverage products, pharmaceutical and dietary products, and cleaning agents. The registration of Noble’s citric formula introduces a commonly used product into the protection of textiles and everyday manufactured materials—an important step in meeting the demand for performance, sustainable material preservation solutions.
“Sometimes innovative solutions are staring you right in the face,” said Joel Furey, founder and chief commercial officer at Noble Biomaterials. “Citric Acid is used for so many things in our everyday lives and during the pandemic, we noticed how much citric was used as an antimicrobial and disinfectant agent in various consumer products. This led us to explore its use in fabric applications. After significant research and development, we were able to engineer a novel approach that was both an effective and durable solution for the antimicrobial protection of textiles and other materials. Our product team deserves tremendous credit for bringing Ionic+ Botanical to market so quickly.”
Receiving an EPA registration is a big step in the process of advancing Noble’s Ionic+ Botanical products. Before manufacturers can sell products with antimicrobial actives in the U.S., EPA must evaluate them to ensure that they meet federal safety standards for human health and the environment EPA regulates antimicrobial actives by reviewing the toxicity of the ingredients and the potential for exposure. Approval of a product for registration is based on scientific assessment related to the identity, composition, potential adverse effects and environmental fate of each EPA-registered product. After review, the EPA determines that no adverse effects will occur when the product is used according to the label directions. At that time, they grant product registration.
Noble Biomaterials Ionic+ products are found in athleisure, travel, home bedding and towels, and sports accessories. Noble is developing Ionic+ Botanical with select development partners, including Salomon and Trident, the manufacturer of Home textiles. Ionic+ Botanical products will be available in 2024.
“We hold ourselves to a very high bar,” said Furey. “We know it’s important to our Brand partners and ultimately the end users to bring products to the market that are built on integrity, efficacy and sustainability. As our portfolio of antimicrobial solutions with Ionic+ continues to grow, we are excited to add now a plant-based option.”
Ionic+ Botanical product line compliments Noble’s Ionic+ Mineral products made around the benefits of permanent silver technology to control bacteria on fabric.
Noble innovations include “the first EPA-registered silver-based textiles, advances in the use of silver metalized yarns and fibers in wound care and the first silver antimicrobial textile on the International Space Station. Noble’s antimicrobial products are found on elite athletes, in healthcare and medical supplies and in military applications.”
Photo courtesy Noble Biomaterials
