Polyguard ®

The New Standard in Textile Antimicrobial and Antiviral Protection.

Since the emergence of the Covid 19 pandemic in early 2020, textile manufacturers have been racing to develop innovative products that incorporate technologies engineered to combat the virus by reducing potential exposure related to the use of their products. Initial efforts were focused on time kill, but more recent efforts have focused on durability. Textiles used in the manufacturing of personal protection equipment, medical apparel and equipment, performance sportswear and hospitality related service products are a few among many. 

In July 2020, after a 15-year effort, Poly-Technical Solutions Ltd. was granted a Non-Conditional Product registration for the use of Polyguard as a textile-based antimicrobial by the U.S. EPA.  Since then the company has focused on antiviral testing. In July 2020 Bioscience Laboratories, Inc., completed its evaluation of the virucidal properties of a fabric material (T-Shirt) treated with NSPW when challenged with Coronavirus. The results indicated that the fabric was found to be 99.15% effective against Coronavirus strain OC43 (a surrogate of Covid 19) within the first 24 hours. It is important to note that the test sample (T-Shirt) utilized in the testing was produced in 2012. As a result of this testing, PTS has begun additional studies to validate previous results using Covid 19 and expects to complete these studies by late November 2020.(At present POLYGUARD is seeking EPA viruality marketing approval). 

Polyguard® is an antimicrobial additive engineered for incorporation into fibers and filaments utilizing a proprietary new approach to product application which delivers performance for the life of the treated fabric. It represents an economical and environmentally responsible alternative to conventional leaching or migratory type organic agents as well as more recent ionic exchange-based technologies. 

In multiple studies conducted at several independent laboratories, Polyguard® has proven to be extremely effective in providing durable antimicrobial and antiviral product protection. However, the most unique characteristic of the technology is it’s “Reduce Risk Exposure Profile”; Non-leaching mode of action; Low concentration of active ingredient; Chemical and Physical Stability; low acute toxicity; and sustainability.  

1.)   Non-leaching mode of action- In preparing for EPA registration, PTS conducted three major Leaching studies. In all three studies, no leaching was observed above the method of detection limit. Methods include ICP-MS, ICP-OES and NAA. 

2.)   Low concentration of active ingredient- Maximum loading of the active ingredient in the final treated article is limited to 30 ppm in the final treated article., the lowest loading of any currently EPA registered antimicrobial technology. 

3.)   Chemical and Physical Stability- studies conducted by Georgia technical college validate previous leaching studies and further supports stability as a result of dissolution studies.  

4.)   Low Acute Toxicity- Based on six studies submitted, the EPA  determined category IV, the lowest of four possible Toxicity categories, was appropriate for Polyguard.

5.)   Sustainability- Polyguard® is recyclable and reusable during the production process. Additionally, the use of Polyguard during production process has no adverse effect in water treatment or water retention systems.