Fitesa Introduces Product that Inactivates Coronavirus
Mateus Inacio, Fitesa Vice President of Global Operations, Fitesa
Verified effective within 15 minutes of contact
January 7, 2021 (Porto Alegre, Brazil) – Following a series of investments to support the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, Fitesa announces the expansion of its antiviral product line with a material that inactivates 99% of coronavirus within 15 minutes of contact. By the end of 30 minutes, the tested sample showed 99.9% of the virus inactivated. Tests were conducted by UNICAMP in November 2020 with the MHV strain of coronavirus, the same genus and family of SARS-CoV-2 (originator of COVID-19), SARS-CoV-1 and MERS.
Fitesa® Shield AV nonwovens have silver ions in its structure. The process technology secures a lasting effect throughout the product’s lifecycle. The treatment is non-toxic, meets all FDA and European Union requirements and does not impact any other physical or chemical product properties.
The Fitesa® Shield product line consists of antiviral spunbond and multi-layer SMS that can be used in various applications such as the production of surgical gowns and drapes, sterilization wraps, head covers, shoe covers, bed linen and laminates, including important respiratory protection equipment like N95 face masks and respirators, among others.
“These results are further evidence of our commitment to the healthcare market and our team’s technical expertise. It also complements our product portfolio in preparation for the start-up of new production lines that will significantly increase our production capacity worldwide”, says Mateus Inacio, Fitesa Vice President of Global Operations. The equipment quoted by Inacio is reference to a new multi-layer Reicofil 5 line being installed in Cosmópolis (SP, Brazil) and meltblown machines in Brazil, Italy, Germany and the United States recently announced by Fitesa.
About Fitesa: Fitesa is one of the world’s largest nonwovens manufacturers that specializes in the development of innovative solutions for the hygiene and healthcare markets by utilizing a broad range of technologies, including spunbond, spunmelt, meltblown, carded, airlaid, films and elastics. Headquartered in Porto Alegre, Brazil, Fitesa employs over 2,500 people in 23 manufacturing locations across 13 countries: Brazil, China, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Sweden, Thailand, UAE and USA. For more information about Fitesa and its products, visit www.fitesa.com.
For questions or comments regarding this press release, contact our global marketing department at fitesamarketing@fitesa.com.
