Mar 21, 2020   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Milliken & Company Scales up Production of Advanced Anti-microbial BioSmart® Fabric for Front-line Medical Workers

Milliken & Company, a global diversified manufacturer with more than a century and a half of textile expertise, has increased domestic production of its breakthrough BioSmart® fabric. BioSmart makes it simple and practical to integrate anti-microbial protection into the most common medical products like scrubs, lab coats and privacy curtains.

In light of the current critical need for protective medical garments, the company has prioritized the advanced material in their supply chain to do what it can to better protect healthcare professionals regularly exposed to bacteria and viruses.

“We are committed to protecting our medical community when their health is of vital importance,” said Chad McAllister, president and EVP of the Textile Division of Milliken & Company. “Through scaling up manufacturing, production and distribution channels, we are dedicating the necessary resources to defend those who need it most.”

The patented, bleach-activated technology harnesses the proven power of readily-available chlorine bleach to kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses. Manufactured in the United States, BioSmart fabric is available through Prime™ Medical and is equipped with advanced molecular engineering that binds chlorine to fibers to turn otherwise passive textiles into one more layer of active defense against inadvertent microbial exposure, contamination and infection.

Statistically, 60% of standard medical uniforms are contaminated with potentially infectious bacteria, and 92% of medical curtains are contaminated within one week of laundering. BioSmart fabric is engineered to combat such bacteria, which often causes Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI). When laundered and activated with bleach, BioSmart fabrics retain chlorine, which can kill up to 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, and that chlorine shield is durable through a minimum of 75 industrial wash cycles. Even further, BioSmart extends sanitizing effects of bleach for up to 12 weeks with each wash.

As an immediate action, Milliken and its production and distribution partners are working together to direct BioSmart inventory, finished garments and curtains to those on the frontline in America’s fight against viruses and infectious diseases by providing the necessary defense to reduce HAI.

For additional information, visit https://textiles.milliken.com/products/biosmart.

1. When washed according to the EPA registered care label instructions. Tested in laboratory conditions using AATCC 100 test method. Do not use color safe bleach.
2. Wierner-Well et al. Nursing and physician attire as possible source of nosocomial infections, Am J Infection Control 2011, 39: 555-9
3. Ohl et al. Hospital privacy curtains are frequently and rapidly contaminated with potentially pathogenic bacteria; Am J of Inf Control : online publication; 2012

About Milliken & Company

Milliken has been solving everyday problems with innovative solutions for more than 150 years. Our research, design and manufacturing expertise reaches across a breadth of disciplines including specialty chemicals, floor covering, healthcare and performance and protective textiles. An unwavering commitment to ethics guides our work to redefine how we add strength and protection to products, how we infuse vibrancy and color into our surroundings, and how we care for the environment. For us, success is when discoveries made within Milliken help us all have more meaningful connections with the world. Discover Milliken at www.milliken.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.