Bangladesh Textile Today, an international textile media and knowledge network based in Bangladesh, and APS Group, are set to launch functional masks using HeiQViroblock, an intelligent Swiss technology proved to be 99.99% effective against viruses including SARS-CoV 2.
The mask is produced in APS Group's premises under the collaboration of Textile Today Innovation Hub, says a press release.
The manufacturing facility is FDA and CE certified and has been producing and exporting high quality garments to top global brands.
After testing the effectivity of the mask in an internationally recognized laboratory, it was found that the fabric of the mask is 99.78% effective in deactivating microbes even after 20 wash at 30 degree Celsius.
The masks are also has been tested in Bangladesh government approved laboratory and proved to block Bacteria (BFE) close to 98% which reaches the mask equivalent to Type II and Type IIR grade medical or surgical mask.
The report also showed that the mask's virus filtration capacity (PFE) is about 86% or more taking the mask equivalent to FFP 2 grade respiratory mask.
As the masks are made of knitted structures, these are comfortable, reusable and mostly biodegradable.
The masks are cost-effective, a calculation showed that daily cost of using the mask is only about Tk2.67 apiece.
They would be produced under various categories, such as:
- AVAB ClassicM99- suitable for heavy public interaction, i.e. for at front line except medical purpose
- AVAB Protection M99- medical grade, suitable for front liners
- AVAB Active M99- better outlook, suitable for light activities while using
- AVAB FashionM99- with neck loops, suitable for fashionable application.
Textile Today has an agreement with APS Group for branding, promotion, sales and distribution of the above mentioned ranges in Bangladesh market.