According to the company, wearing apparel empowered by HeiQ Bug Guard can reduce the risk of mosquito and bug bites and consequently decrease the likelihood of infection with life-threatening diseases such as Zika, Malaria and Dengue.

The HeiQ Bug Guard technology is said to transform clothing into a protective shield against disease-carrying vectors like mosquitoes preventing them from biting you. The mosquito’s ability to sting through clothing – especially thinner materials – increases the need for an effective technology. Especially of interest for outdoor gear manufacturers, this durable textile finishing technology is also used on every-day apparel and home textiles, such as mattresses, the company reports.

HeiQ Bug Guard

HeiQ Bug Guard has been developed to provide prolonged contact protection against mosquitoes but also repels ticks, dust mites, bed bugs and carpet beetles. The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (TPH) has tested and proven its efficiency and durability up to 100 washings.

As a full service partner, HeiQ offers two industry standard test methods for efficacy: the exposure test (TL 830 50331) and the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) test, which determines the permethrin level.

Permethrin, the bioactive ingredient of HeiQ Bug Guard, is the only pesticide approved by the US EPA for use in clothing and gear, and is also permitted by bluesign for non-skin contact articles. HeiQ Bug Guard is applicable to all textile fibre types (except for 100% polypropylene) and complies with Oekotex Standard 100.

Mosquito borne diseases

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that millions of people die each year because of diseases carried and spread by mosquitoes.

The organisation stated that the global risk of the spreading Zika virus remains unchanged and requires a high level of awareness and protection against Zika-transmitting mosquitoes. Zika virus is primarily carried by Aedes mosquitoes prevalent mainly in warmer climates.

HeiQ

Founded in 2005 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH), HeiQ is a leader in textile innovation.

Engaging along the entire value chain, the company’s goal is to leverage its boundless academic research network and internal development specialists to invent disruptive new technologies that meet consumer needs and outperform the market.

www.heiq.com