A decade long collaboration between Swiss textile innovator HeiQ and Spanish premium synthetic fibre manufacturer Nylstar, has resulted in a new antiviral and antimicrobial fabric, with what Nylstar calls zero pollution sustainable benefits. Meryl Skinlife Force powered by HeiQ Viroblock Permanent, is a winner at ISPO Textrends Award for the Best Product.

With the commencement of the pandemic, the two leading textile innovators pooled resources, developed over a decade long collaboration, to create a premium synthetic fibre that they say is sustainable, antimicrobial and durable. In short, the collaborators say, the optimal fusion of innovative ingredient into sustainably made materials.

A record-breaking development speed of just six months resulted in the launch of HeiQ Viroblock Permanent, a new technology under the immensely successful HeiQ Viroblock technology platform. The new technology is used exclusively on Meryl Skinlife Force, an innovative hi-tech fabric that combines the silver-ion active principle antimicrobial properties developed by HeiQ, and Nylstar’s hydrogen-based technology which allows the creation of yarns with a very strong molecular cohesion structure.

The Hydrogen molecular structure makes Meryl Skinlife Force a high-performance fabric in terms of moisture management and breathability, offering a natural stretch without elastane as well as excellent durability thanks to its continuous and high tenacity filaments, Nylstar says. Nylstar reports that the robust durability of HeiQ Viroblock Permanent is achieved thanks to the silver particles being added directly into the raw polymer of the yarn thereby keeping these properties active for the lifetime of garments, it adds. Fabric samples successfully demonstrated a very strong antimicrobial efficacy with over 99.99% reduction of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria after 100 washes. Antiviral test is underway.

“With the launch of HeiQ Viroblock Permanent on this premium fabric that can be implemented in environments with high hygienic and sanitary requirements such as medical, hospitality and sports, HeiQ and Nylstar aim to make a strong social contribution to stemming the spread of the global pandemic and for post-pandemic use, delivering on our mission to improve lives of billions of people,” said Carlo Centonze, co-founder and CEO of HeiQ.

Nylstar’s zero microfiber release in combination with HeiQ Viroblock Permanent technology bring the textile industry the necessary quality and touch without polluting air and water, Nylstar explains. Meryl Skinlife Force HeiQ Viroblock Permanent hi-tech fabric is certified by STANDARD 100 Oekotex assuring the consumer that the product is free of harmful substances, and all 100% Meryl fabrics are completely and infinitely recyclable without suffering any loss of performance, for a fully sustainable and circular economy, it adds.

Meeting the most demanding antimicrobial and durability qualities for the lifetime of the garments, this premium fabric is the perfect match for discerning medical, hospitality and sports professionals who wish for durable protection not just in the time of the pandemic but well beyond into a post-pandemic future, Nylstar says.

“Meryl Skinlife Force powered by HeiQ Viroblock Permanent is fabricated to meet the most exacting requirements on performance and sustainability of consumers in today’s day and age,” said Alfonso Cirera, Executive Chairman of Nylstar.

ISPO Textrends 2021 Best Product

Both HeiQ and Nylstar will be ‘exhibiting’ at ISPO Munich Online from 1-5 February. Nylstar won the Textrends 2021 Award for the Best Product in the Base Layer Category. The jury, composed of international experts (journalists, designers, independent professionals), selected Meryl Sublime fabric with Skinlife Force HeiQ Viroblock Permanent technology made in a collaboration with Feinjersey as Best Product in the category of Base Layers for Fall/ Winter 2022/23.

Visit their virtual booth to learn more about these innovative technologies.