Swiss company HeiQ has launched HeiQ Fresh FFL (Fresh For Long), a 100 per cent bio-based odour control technology. The product targets the sportswear and intimate segment, with application suitable for seamless garments made of synthetics that are prone to permastink. Visitors at ISPO got a sneak peak of the technology at HeiQ’s booth at Hall C3 Booth 402.

Apart from its founding silver product that is today used worldwide in over 500 million garments by over 100 major active wear brands and the recently launched volatile odour source sequestering technologies HeiQ Fresh NKU and HeiQ Fresh AGOS.

HeiQ says it continues to redefine freshness for textiles by introducing the world’s first bio-based, non-antimicrobial, non-silver-based textile odour control technology – HeiQ Fresh FFL, which is based on a biopolymer derived from 100 per cent renewable source. The wash-resistant, biodegradable textile finishing is said to stop bad smell before they emerge on textiles.

HeiQ Fresh FFL is a non-antimicrobial alternative to traditional odour control in textiles. The sustainable, fully biomass-derived Amino-Sugar-Polymer functions by binding proteins and other sweat components that can cause odour. The HeiQ Fresh FFL biopolymer supports quick removal of these sweat secretion during home laundering. As a non-antimicrobial solution to odour control, the regulatory obligations normally associated with biocides are of no relevance when applying HeiQ Fresh FFL on garments and other textile products, the company reports.

Ralf Mundinger, HeiQ’s Head of Technology Application explains, “Odour control efficacy is maximised with the correct technology-fibre match, as well as the right application of the technology in the textile finishing process. While most odour-control textile finishing target polyester, the application is often limited to padding, which is not utilised for textiles that seamless garments are made from.

HeiQ Fresh FFL can be used on both cellulosic and synthetic fibres. The flexibility of application of HeiQ Fresh FFL – can be done through either exhaust or padding – means that brands can apply it freely on different fibre and product design, including seamless garments.”