Folks, until the vaccine comes to people’s rescue, wearing a multi-functional protective mask, could be a wise step, because this very special mask can deactivate almost 100 per cent of the virus in half an hour.
Chennai-based Defend and Protecht Initiative, powered by HeiQ Viroblock, is all set to launch India’s
first multi-functional protective masks enhanced by four HeiQ technologies.
“HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is amongst the first textile technologies in the world to be proven effective against Covid in the laboratory, deactivating 99.99 per cent of the virus in just 30 minutes.” a statement said.
Masks have become an everyday essential and developing a multi-functional mask that actively inhibits viral and microbial activity and is affordable was the obvious requirement.
This initiative consists of three textile specialist organizations – Emcee Apparels, Sreekumaar Texind Corporation and Dvintex – who addressed the need of the hour in these unprecedented times.
“We strongly believe that everyone should have access to masks that protect them from viruses. Defend and Protecht’s masks are provably of the highest quality available in the non-medical category. What we have created is the right product for the right reason and at the right time,’ Bharat of Emcee Apparels said.
The other technologies in the mask are HeiQ Smart Temp for thermo regulation and moisture management, HeiQ Pure for odour control and HeiQ Eco Dry for water and droplet repellent properties.
Such a combination of high-tech Swiss textile innovations in one mask is currently not available on the market.
Designed and developed in three-layer variants, the outer barrier which is common for all variants is engineered to actively destroy viruses and microbes on contact and filter pollutants, and is droplet and water repellent and breathable.
The middle layer is treated with anti-viral, anti-bacterial, water repellent and pollutant filtering technologies. The inner comfort layer has thermoregulation, moisture management and odour control. The mask is self-sanitizing, reusable, breathable, hypoallergenic and optimally designed for a comfortable fit.
In a recent CNN Money Switzerland interview, HeiQ Group’s CEO Carlo Centonze said, “Textiles are one of the main vectors for viruses and also for bacteria. The technology we [developed] really addresses both. All the textiles that are treated with [HeiQ Viroblock] become basically capable to destroy both of them in seconds to minutes and make sure that there is no re-transmission or contamination from the surfaces.”
The masks will be introduced at Rs 250 into the market in a range of colors and prints. Other variants of the mask and the specially designed The Essential India basic line will be introduced in Phase 2.
Based on CDC research, the firm will also undertake a made-to-order range of masks that offers enhanced protection for men with beards. This will be at an additional cost. The anti-viral and anti-bacterial treatments in Defend and Protecht products stay active for up to 30 gentle washes. The masks have a life cycle of 18-24 months with proper care.
The masks will be available from mid July 2020 on the firm’s website and by the end of the month on other online platforms.
