The agreement also gives Coats exclusive global access to the technology for use in sewing threads. 

HeiQ says Viroblock was proven to 99.99% effective against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes covid-19) in tests conducted with the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity in Melbourne, Australia.

Viroblock merges microsilver technology to attract virus particles which then combine with vesicle technology to break down the viral membrane within seconds. The microsilver technology uses recycled silver to enhance its sustainable offering, while the vesicle technology is bio-based.

Ronan Cox, president of performance materials at Coats, said: “The combination of HeiQ Viroblock technology with our specialist expertise in threads and yarns creates a unique and powerful textile solution for the challenges we see today. The innovation infrastructure we have built at Coats continues to deliver exciting industry changing concepts that have real large scale commercial potential.”

Carlo Centonze, CEO of HeiQ Group, added: “This technology can be applied to any fabric to add an antiviral efficacy to them. Now with Coats threads and yarns, it is even possible for every stitch holding the fabric together to deliver the same effect, leaving no chance for harmful microorganisms.”

Picture: Coats Innovation Hub in North Carolina, US. Credit: Coats