Following a series of investments designed to help in the fight against Covid-19, nonwovens producer Fitesa has expanded its product line to include an antiviral product line with a material that inactivates 99% of Coronavirus within 15 minutes of contact. Within 30 minutes, the test samples show  the virus to be inactivated. Tests were conducted by UNICAMP in November 2020 with the MHV strain of Coronavrius, the same genus and family of SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV-1 and MERS.

Fitesa Shield AV nonwovens have silver ions in its structure. The process technology secures lasting effect throughout the product’s lifecycle. The treatment is non-toxic, meets all FDA and EU requirements and does not impact any other physical or chemical properties.

The Fitesa Shield product line consists of antiviral spunbond and multilayer SMS that can be used in various applications such as the production ofsurgical gowns and drapes, sterilization wraps, head covers, shoe covers, bed linens and laminats including important respiratory protection equipment like N95 masks and respirators.

“These results are further evidence of our commitment to the healthcare market and our team’s technical expertise. It also complements our product portfolio in preparation for the start-up of new production lines that will significantly increase our production capacity worldwide”, says Mateus Inacio, vice president of Global Operations.

Recent investments include a new multi-layouer Reicofil 5 line being installed in Cosmópolis (SP, Brazil) and new meltblown machines in Brazil, Italy, Germany and the U.S. recently announced by Fitesa.