ZURICH — April 29, 2020 — Striving to help advance the global fight against coronavirus on textiles, HeiQ recently launched HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03, an antimicrobial textile treatment proven effective against human coronavirus (229E) in face mask testing, significantly enhancing the antiviral log reduction from 2.90 of untreated face masks to 4.5, a 30 times improvement with over 99.99-percent reduction of virus infectivity in minutes. It is tested to last at least 30 washes. Since its launch the company has been utilizing its full capacity of 145 tons per day in its four manufacturing sites on three continents.

In his interview with CNN, HeiQ co-founder and Group CEO Carlo Centonze expressed the urgent need to maximize the impact of the international textile industry in fighting the global pandemic, even if that meant sharing HeiQ’s proprietary technology. HeiQ has since offered to share its HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 technology to textile industry peers via a free licence. Sharing the formula, manufacturing protocol and technical guidance will permit the manufacture and commercialization of HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 to meet the regulatory compliance and performance requirement. Licensees will be required to test their treated fabrics with licensed third-party testing institutes to establish efficacy and quality as per HeiQ’s standards. Use of the “HeiQ Viroblock” trademark in relation to treated articles will require trademark authorization directly by HeiQ to ensure truthful and compliant claims.

“There is not a moment to lose. We must act now and act fast to produce textiles for hospitals and every frontline healthcare worker that are more resistant to pathogenic viruses and bacteria. The international textile industry must do our part and work together in a united effort to protect textiles and help in the struggle to reduce the risk and speed of contamination and transmission around the world,” Centonze said. “Reducing transmission and infection rates is the only way to re-open our economies swiftly and maintain jobs in the textile industry,” he added.

Ralf Kattanek, group vice president Textiles of CHT Group said, “We believe by using CHT’s textile expertise and production capacities globally that we can play a key role in mitigating the impact for the healthcare workers and our industry partners by maximizing our reach swiftly.”

David Juang, chairman of Taiwanese textile chemicals manufacturer JINTEX Group adds “We want to show leadership in taking decisive action in a coordinated effort.”

“HeiQ has enlisted the Piedmont Chemical Group to help support its North American production and distribution, in order to assure maximum product availability during the crisis. We are here to join the fight and support HeiQ and our textile industry with all we have,” says Rick Wilson, CEO of U.S.-based Piedmont Chemical Industries.

HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is a combination of vesicle and silver technologies using HeiQ’s registered silver technologies for antiviral and antibacterial (together antimicrobial) effect. This is accomplished through binding permanently to viral sulfur groups and using HeiQ’s fatty vesicle technology (Liposomes) as a booster that helps deplete swiftly the virus membrane (pericapsis) of its protective cholesterol layer, thereby destroying the enveloped virus. HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 can be applied to many textile surfaces including face masks, air filters, medical gowns, curtains, mattresses, bed linens, drapes and more.

Posted April 29, 2020

Source: HeiQ Materials AG

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — April 28, 2020 — As the coronavirus pandemic continues, the need for economic reactivation in America requires increased attention from all industries to maintain public health and safety. As restaurants open, they can initiate proven practices ensuring the safety and confidence of patrons. Maximizing restaurants’ hygiene requires adopting increased cleanliness practices such as using commercially laundered hygienically clean linens and garments including chef, kitchen and wait staff apparel. TRSA, the Association of the Linen, Uniform and Facility Services Industry, called on the National Governors Association today to prompt states to feature such services in guidance documents for restaurant reopening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

TRSA is prompting members to distribute the NGA letter to their local/state restaurant associations and regulatory authorities. The association is launching a publicity and social media campaign to reinforce the letter’s messages.

“Expectations for best safety practices will be extremely high as restaurants begin re-opening,” said Joseph Ricci, president and CEO of TRSA. “Clean, white linens and apparel increase both the perception and reality of a cleaner, safer environment.”

Bacteria have been shown to be present in excessive amounts on bare restaurant tables, even with regular cleaning, in comparison with tablecloths. Tablecloths can provide a 5-times-cleaner surface and are touched only at the corners by the server laying the cloth and by the immediate patrons. Bare tables can be a breeding ground for all types of microscopic bacteria. Hygienically Clean table linens minimize the bacteria that put patrons at risk.

TRSA member best management practices help keep the dining public safe by implementing cleanliness standards and inspiring public confidence. TRSA identified these practices as best practices for any guidance released to restaurants and dining establishments:

• Hygienically clean tablecloths, place mats and napkins should be used to reduce or eliminate disease transmission by touch. Replacing tablecloths each time new guests are seated ensures a clean and safe table. These products can also identify the tables to be used for social separation. Placemats can accomplish a similar result by seating guests further apart at the same table or counter. “Hygienically Clean” commercial laundry certification standards minimize contamination risk.
• Staff should be given hygienically cleaned, commercially laundered uniforms daily such as chef coats, cook shirts, pants and aprons to wear throughout their shifts. This applies to takeout and delivery staff, as well as kitchen and wait staff. Research verifies the superior cleanliness and public preference for professional laundering of work uniforms; home washing machines and practices have proven inadequate for consistent disinfection. Instead, uniforms should be left in a bin at the restaurant to be picked up and commercially laundered. A clean uniform should be given out at the start of each shift, replacing the clothes in which employees commuted to the restaurant.
• Hand sanitizer dispensers should be placed throughout restaurants for guests and staff to use.
• Reusable/washable face masks that meet CDC guidelines and disposable gloves should be worn by staff. Gloves should be changed out often throughout an employee’s shift.
• Commercial cleaning solutions should be used on all hard surfaces throughout the day, including entryway door handles, kitchen area and bathrooms.

“As America starts to get back to business and dining establishments begin to reopen, providing the public with clean and safe dining establishments will be a key part of an economic recovery. Abiding by these steps should be a cornerstone of this process,” said Ricci.

“We are all looking forward to the opportunity to dine out and go back to our favorite restaurants or try something new. We know that public confidence will be a key factor in putting this vital part of our economy back on track and returning millions of hard-working Americans back to the workforce,” he added.

Posted April 28, 2020

Source: TRSA

IRVINE, Calif.— April 23, 2020 — Protective face shields assembled at kia motors manufacturing georgia will be distributed to healthcare workers across the state.

• Using CDC social distancing guidelines, a portion of Kia’s U.S. plant has transformed into a specialty production area
• Production of personal protection equipment expands Kia’s “Accelerate the Good” efforts to help people impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic

In response to a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Kia Motors has delivered an initial supply of 15,000 face shields produced at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) to the Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA).

“Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia asked how they could help, and then stepped up to provide life-saving equipment for the heroes on the front lines in the battle against COVID-19,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner, Pat Wilson. “We thank Kia once again for being such a strong partner in our Georgia-made family.”

Face shields are being assembled by paid volunteers from KMMG, which has implemented a series of safety measures to protect team members, including: conducting temperature scans, providing face masks and gloves, and staggering workstations.

Kia will be gradually increasing face shield production, ultimately reaching a capacity of 200,000 units per month, in support of donations the company has scheduled over the next several weeks to medical facilities in Southern California and New York. Face shield production is the latest extension of Kia’s Accelerate the Good program following the company’s pledge to donate a total of $1 million to non-profit partners that assist homeless youth nationwide, including Covenant House, StandUp for Kids and Family Promise. Kia’s donation will help provide much needed shelter and care to help fight the spread of COVID-19. Earlier, Kia donated N95 masks and gloves to medical facilities throughout Orange County, California, where the brand’s U.S. headquarters is located.

“Kia is a proud member of the Georgia community and the talented team members of Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia are giving it everything to supply desperately needed protective equipment to those on the frontlines of this pandemic,” said Sean Yoon, president and CEO, Kia Motors North America. “Kia is grateful to both GEMA representatives and the healthcare workers on the frontlines of this crisis for their ongoing courage and bravery and hope that this donation helps them continue to give it everything.”

Kia will continue to look for ways to best utilize its resources and support its valued customers and communities during this time.

Posted April 28, 2020

Source: KIA Motors Corporation

EDMONTON, Alberta — April 28, 2020 — Imagine protecting every Albertan with a high-quality respirator. With guidance from researchers at the University of Alberta, ACAMP, an Alberta non-profit organization helping companies develop high-tech products has designed and built an effective, reusable respirator to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The respirator’s filters can be washed and are reusable. Their effectiveness was tested against N95-rated respirators by a team at Engineering at Alberta led by Distinguished Professor Warren Finlay, an internationally respected expert in the science of aerosol mechanics. Their findings rate the ACAMP A95 filters at the same level of filtration efficiency as commercially available N95 filters.

ACAMP CEO Ken Brizel had the idea to produce enough masks for every person in Alberta four weeks ago, after being shocked to see many unprotected people shopping for groceries. Brizel has been working with local businesses and the University of Alberta to design and manufacture the respirators.

The body of the respirators is made of polyurethane or polypropylene, comes in an adult size only at this time, and provides an effective seal around the nose and mouth. The respirators filter two ways, protecting the wearer from inhaling the virus, and preventing wearers from exhaling it.

The respirators are available online now at www.actionbyacamp.ca and go into production this week.

This work was supported by Mitacs through the Mitacs Accelerate Program, under the special COVID-19 call for proposals.

Posted April 28, 2020

Source: ACAMP — Alberta Center For Advanced MNT Products