As consumers search for products to safeguard against pathogens, apparel brands are beginning to incorporate antiviral and antimicrobial fabrics into their designs.
To help address this, YKK has developed a line of zippers with the tape treated with ViralOff, a technology patented by the Swedish company Polygiene.
ViralOff is an antimicrobial finish that eliminates 99 percent of viruses on textiles in about two hours, said YKK. ViralOff’s chemical components are eco-sustainable and safe for contact on human skin.
YKK’s ViralOff treated zipper is manufactured and sold by YKK Italia SPA.
“This zipper really underscores the tagline in our Fastening Group logo, “Little Parts, Big Difference,” said Enrico Degara, chief sustainability officer, YKK Italia SPA. “It may be a small detail, but an important one.”
Polygiene’s expertise in protective textile technology got its start during the fight against SARS in 2004. The knowledge gained from that experience gave it the methods and processes to develop ViralOff in the middle of the pandemic.
The ViralOff fabric treatment is used on a wide range of applications such as medical equipment, medical scrubs, face masks, and gloves, as well as a variety of consumer products.
“While we never make any claims beyond protecting the product itself, it goes without saying that a reduction of viruses on often touched parts, like a zipper, is a good thing. We see a big demand building, and this launch with YKK will raise awareness on this kind of product even more,” said Haymo Strubel, commercial director, Polygiene.
