Milliken & Company – a global manufacturer with more than a century and a half of textile expertise – has increased domestic production of its breakthrough BioSmart® fabric. The fabric makes it simple and practical to integrate anti-microbial protection into common medical products such as scrubs, lab coats and privacy curtains.
In light of the current critical need for protective medical garments, Milliken & Company have now prioritised the advanced material in their supply chain to do what it can to better protect healthcare professionals who are regularly exposed to bacteria and viruses.
“We are committed to protecting our medical community when their health is of vital importance,” explained Chad McAllister, president and EVP of the Textile Division of Milliken & Company. “Through scaling up manufacturing, production and distribution channels, we are dedicating the necessary resources to defend those who need it most.”
The patented and beach-activated technology harnesses the proven power of readily-available chlorine bleach to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. The fabric is manufactured in the United States and available through Prime™ Medical. Additionally, it’s also equipped with advanced molecular engineering that binds chlorine to fibres to turn otherwise passive textiles into one more layer of active defence against inadvertent microbial exposure, contamination and infection.
Statistically, 60% of standard medical uniforms are contaminated with potentially infectious bacteria, with 92% of medical uniforms contaminated with potentially infections bacteria. Additionally, 92% of medical curtains are contaminated within one week of laundering. BioSmart fabric is engineered to combat such bacteria, which often causes Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI). When laundered and activated with bleach, BioSmart fabrics retain chlorine, which can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses – and that chlorine shield is durable through a minimum of 75 industrial wash cycles. Even better, BioSmart extends sanitizing effects of bleach for up to 12 weeks with each wash.
As an immediate action, Milliken and its production and distribution partners are working together to direct BioSmart inventory, finished garments and curtains to those on the frontline in America’s fight against viruses and infectious diseases by providing the necessary defence to reduce HAI.
For more information, please visit textiles.milliken.com.
