Antimicrobial additive start-up Parx Materials has successfully developed a new polypropylene (PP) nonwoven material that resists bacteria. The latest test results show that the material is effective against strains of E.coli, Staphylococcus and Candida Albicans, achieving a Class AAA rating for use in medical masks, protective gowns, diapers or other sanitary products.

The antimicrobial nonwoven material is made with polypropylene via the spunbond production method in which woven materials are manufactured in one continuous process. Using Parx Materials’ Saniconcentrate technology, the material prevents bacteria and viruses from surviving without toxic biocides or leaching.

The new material will enable textile manufacturers to take advantage of antimicrobial effects without harming humans or the environment — an essential progression as the world demands increasing levels of hygiene for both personal protection equipment (PPE) and personal goods.

To prove the nonwoven material’s effectiveness against bacteria, efficacy tests in line with antibacterial knitwear standards were carried out by SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services (Shanghai). Before the tests took place, the material was washed 50 times.

The test report shows that, after 18 hours, Parx Materials’ nonwoven sample had an efficacy of 90% against Candida Albicans, 99% against E.coli and greater than 99% against Staphylococcus Aureaus. An outstanding result proving the material’s efficacy and longevity.

Tests carried out on the nonwoven material also included a disk diffusion test. This is a test of the product’s safety, measuring how much the antimicrobial effect migrates from the material after one wash. The sample material was placed in agar jelly and after 18 hours for E.coli and Staphylococcus and 48 hours for Candida, there was no bacteria-free halo surrounding the material.

This result far surpasses the safety requirement of a diameter less than or equal to five millimeters. It proves, unlike most existing antimicrobial materials, there is no migration from Parx Material’s technology — better for humans, the environment and preventing bacterial resistance.

Following the test results, the nonwoven fabric has received the Class AAA antibacterial textile rating, the highest possible rating, in in line with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) FZ/T 73023-2006 antibacterial knitwear standard.

“Our technology can now be incorporated in nonwoven materials to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses,” explains Michaël van der Jagt, CEO of Parx Materials. “But it can also be used to prevent odour, which is often caused by microbes — a useful USP for products like diapers. As it remains equally effective for over 50 washes, it’s ideal for things that will be used again and again.”