Microban International has launched Refresh, a new patent-pending, sustainable odour capture technology that is completely metal free. The innovative technology is proven to reduce odours by up to 93% on polyester and polyester-rich blends, even after 30 home launderings.

Microban is a leader in antimicrobial and odour control technology and has developed Refresh as part of its ongoing dedication to sustainable textiles manufacturing. This patent-pending formula is designed to address the needs of both manufacturers and consumers, by providing an effective solution to tackle permastink without relying on traditional heavy metal chemistries.

Refresh is proven to effectively reduce odours on polyester and polyester-rich blends, including activewear, hunting gear and other apparel. By keeping garments fresher for longer, this technology will allow end-users to enjoy the benefits of washing items less frequently and therefore reduce water consumption and fibre pollution, preventing premature disposal and decreasing landfill loading. It also allows manufacturers to reduce their use of pesticidal chemistries.

Michael Ruby, President at Microban International, explained the importance of the innovation: “Microban is focused on sustainable solutions, and is proud to have developed Refresh, a more environmentally friendly technology designed to combat the issue of persistent odours on clothing without using any metal-based chemistries. With Refresh, apparel brands and manufacturers across the world can deliver smart textiles that stay fresher for longer, extending their usable lifetime and reducing the mountains of textile waste that end up in landfill each year. Refresh complements Microban’s Scentry and Scentry Revive technologies perfectly, now providing three world-class bluesign-listed technologies for apparel brands to specify at the mill level for odour control applications.”

Refresh can be incorporated during the manufacturing processes for polyester and polyester-rich blends products as an easy-to-use and particle-free one-part liquid solution, avoiding any concerns about settlement during storage and mixing. It is fully water soluble and will not negatively impact fabric properties.

Dr. Yihong Li, Senior Technical Manager for Textiles at Microban International, elaborated: “Refresh has been meticulously designed to provide effective odour protection that not only contributes to sustainable initiatives, but also seamlessly integrates into polyester textile manufacturing processes. Microban has applied its expertise and extensive technical knowledge to develop this technology to meet industry demands for smarter textile products.”

Refresh is available to apparel brands and manufacturers globally, along with Microban’s support and expertise.

www.microban.com/odor-control/technologies