Solvay launched two new products that may eliminate and keep bacteria and vir
uses away from some surfaces and avoid cross-contamination, according to a Solvay press release. The first is a long-lasting antimicrobial spray agent and the second is a yarn that incorporates antiviral/antibacterial agents and may offer increased production for masks and other textiles.
“Facing the pandemic, our focus has been on how we can use our expertise and production capacities to help fight the spread of COVID-19,” said Ilham Kadri, CEO of Solvay Group. “There’s no limit to the ingenuity of our teams who are bringing the most innovative and safe solutions to our customers. These new products enable us to bond with our customers and help them navigate through this troubled period to ensure our communities’ safety and economic recovery.”
Solvay introduced Actizone™ , a long-lasting antimicrobial technology that delivers 24-hour surface protection. While typical disinfectants may kill germs on surfaces for only a few minutes, this new Solvay patented technology traps antimicrobial actives to form a protective film on surfaces. According to the release, the actives initially kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses and go on to deliver 24-hour antibacterial protection while ensuring shine and a residue-free finish. The release states that the technology is reliable across multiple surfaces, including polycarbonate, glass and metal, and eliminates the need for continual cleanings throughout the day.
Solvay has also developed a new polyamide polymer and yarn – Amni® Virus-Bac OFF – in record time in Solvay’s research centers in Brazil. The product incorporates antiviral and antibacterial agents, thus enabling the fabric to block further contamination of a wide range of diseases. It can be used for producing knits and fabrics for several applications, such as car and bus seat covers, or in the manufacturing of masks, clothing and protectors. Its antiviral and antibacterial action remains throughout the lifetime of the textile article and offers the same effectiveness after countless washes.
Solvay is already in discussions with customers, suppliers and public authorities in Europe, North and South America for possible applications of both technologies.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, Solvay reinvented itself to adapt its production and develop new ones, showing the essential role chemistry has to play in facing these new health challenges worldwide. Solvay has been active in the manufacture of ventilators in respirators, ingredients used in COVID tests or in a potential vaccine, flavours used in antitussive drugs, plastics used to make protective face shields as well as H2O2 disinfectant for cleaning purposes” said Ilham Kadri.
