Rhodia Brasil launches thread that blocks the contamination of the new coronavirus

Rhodia, a company that has just celebrated its centenary in Brazil, launches thread that blocks the action of viruses, including the new coronavirus, and bacteria in textile articles. Amni® Virus-Bac OFF is a functional polyamide that inhibits contamination between textile parts and the user, thus preventing clothing from being a transmission vehicle.

The pioneer and South American leader in the development of polyamide polymers, yarns, and textile fibers is a participant in Texbrasil (Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program) – the result of a partnership between Abit (The Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association) and Apex-Brasil (Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency).

The launch developed in Brazil has an antiviral and antibacterial agent incorporated in its polymeric matrix. This agent has an electronic affinity with regions of proteins in the external structure of the virus, preventing hosting in human cells, blocking contamination.

The yarn can be used in the construction of knits and fabrics, in several applications. According to the company, the properties of Amni® Virus-Bac OFF are of permanent effect, which means that its antiviral and antibacterial action will remain for the entire life of the textile article – the clothing will have the same effectiveness and evenly after numerous washes.

According to Renato Boaventura, Rhodia‘s Global Vice President of Polyamide and Fibers, Solvay Group, it is a huge satisfaction and pride for all of the Rhodia team to contribute to society in this very difficult time.

“We have developed in Brazil in record time an effective product to combat the spread of viruses. It is an additional protection that helps us to have more peace of mind in this moment of reopening cities, by preventing our clothes and shoes from being a vehicle for the transmission of viruses and bacteria, at the same time that it blocks the transport of these microorganisms from public places to our home. That is, it protects us all, our families and society as a whole,” he says.

Proven effectiveness

The effectiveness of the Amni® Virus-Bac OFF polyamide yarn has been proven by an independent laboratory, following the international textile protocols contained in the ISO 18184 standard (Determination of Antiviral Activity of Textile Products). In addition to antiviral, Amni® Virus-Bac OFF polyamide also has a proven antibacterial action, in accordance with international textile standards AATCC100.

In a press release, Rhodia points out that this technology is an additional barrier in combating the cross-contamination of viruses and bacteria. The use of parts with the Amni® Virus-Bac OFF polyamide does not eliminate the need for frequent hygiene care, according to the WHO (World Health Organization) safety instructions in the face of the new coronavirus pandemic scenario.

About Texbrasil

The Brazilian Textile and Fashion Industry Internationalization Program (Texbrasil) works with companies in the textile and clothing sector developing strategies to conquer the global market. Over nearly 20 years, it has helped around 1500 brands to enter the export trail, making USD 3.6 billion in business. The Program is carried out through a partnership between Abit and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil).