Sanitized presents a new dimension to odour-management for functional polyester textiles, with its newly developed wash-resistant Sanitized Odoractiv 10 that has a dual-action effect: on the one hand, it prevents the bacteria from docking on the textile, and on the other, it adsorbs odours whilst the garment is being worn.

“Manufacturers of functional polyester textiles face the same challenge: freshly washed garments develop an unpleasant odour even after a short wearing period. The cause of this undesirable effect is not the human perspiration itself, but the bacteria that break down the perspiration,” the company explains.

“This process of decomposition generates the characteristic sweet, pungent smell. Once the bacteria, or the odour molecules, have penetrated into the surface of the polyester textile, they remain there permanently. Machine wash cycles and special detergents will never completely eliminate them. The bacterial colonisation produces a biofilm on the polyester, which not only causes unpleasant odours, but also has a negative impact on the properties of the material.”

Surface modulation

The new, dual-action technology from Sanitzed aims to address this problem. The surface of the textile is “coated” with Sanitized Odoractiv 10 in the padding process. This creates a protective film on the surface of the textile. The bacteria use this anti-adhesive protective film as the basis for latching onto the garment. The bacteria can therefore be completely washed out in a normal wash cycle, consequently preventing any biofilm from forming. An anti-adhesion test method was developed in cooperation with EMPA to prove this Wash Effect.

The second advantage is a high adsorbing effect of the new technology. Odours are “trapped” and removed during a normal wash cycle. The new product is the result of a technology that has been further developed and was awarded the Swiss Technology Award. The odour adsorption is identified using GC-MS.

Sanitized Odoractiv 10 can be combined with other Sanitized products, in particular with products based on zinc pyrithione. The treatment is said not to influence the feel of the final treated textile.  “Sanitized Odoractiv 10 marks the end of permastink in polyester textiles,” said Product Manager at Sanitized AG, Urs Zihlmann.

Wash-resistant and sustainable

As with all its other products, Sanitzed AG does not use any nano technology. The Hohenstein Institute has awarded the company the rating Skin Friendly, the bluesign registration is underway. The product also bears the label Eco Passport by Oeko-Tex.

“The unique, dual Odor Control Function of Sanitized Odoractiv 10 enjoys a unique position in the market and it furthermore fulfils two market requirements: the prevention of permastink and the minimisation of odour intensity during wear. Almost all manufacturers of functional polyester textiles are confronted with this problem,” commented Urs Zihlmann. “The new technology creates tangible added value for consumers. This is a competitive differentiating advantage for global marketing.”

www.sanitized.com