Minneapolis-based uniform supplier G&K Services Inc. has introduced antimicrobial-charged
garments and towels that feature Spartanburg-based Milliken & Company’s BioSmart antimicrobial
technology that binds chlorine to fabric surfaces. The new products are part of G&Ks ProSura
Food Safety Solutions program, developed to reduce cross-contamination in the food industry, and
are targeted to grocers, food processors and restaurants.
According to G&K, independent testing of the technology has shown that BioSmart fabrics
laundered with chlorine bleach according to care instructions kill 99.9 percent of common bacteria
and viruses including staphylococcus aureus, hepatitis A, e-coli and salmonella cholerasuis and the
chlorine on the fabric will continue to kill these microbes after laundering. The fabrics also do
not irritate the skin and have passed the ISO skin sensitivity and skin irritation tests, the
company reports.
“BioSmart is both durable and effective for the life of most garments,” said Travis Greer,
senior business development technologist, Workwear Fabrics, Milliken. “The fabric technology
literally recharges after every washing so it is always functioning at full strength, thus
providing a longer shelf life and optimizing value for the food service industry, laundries and
consumers alike.”
May 15, 2007
