Prominent Indian Mills Opt for SILVADUR Antimicrobial Solutions from Dow

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Prominent Indian Mills Opt for SILVADUR Antimicrobial Solutions from Dow

DOW Chemical Co has developed a revolutionary antimicrobial surface delivery system that optimizes the use of the chemical, while ensuring better performance over time. In an exclusive interview with Textile Excellence, Karel Williams, Global Strategic Marketing Manager, Hygiene & Personal Care, Dow Chemical Co, explains the advantages and acceptance of the new system in India and globally.

What is SILVADUR™?

SILVADUR™ is a polymer-based antimicrobial system that prevents unwanted accumulation of bacteria on textile surfaces. We use the very well-known antimicrobial benefits of silver ions combined with an innovative, new delivery system we have developed.

Silver is embedded within the polymer so it is distributed homogeneously across the fabric layer. As long as the polymer remains on the surface of the fabric, antimicrobial protection is provided. Through nature, a balance is maintained between good and bad bacteria. So SILVADUR is both a smart release system and a bio-responsive system.

Why did you feel the need to develop a delivery system for antimicrobials?

There have been complaints that existing antimicrobial systems do not perform, the treatment wears off after four to 10 washes, lots of chemicals are used in antimicrobials, they are not compatible with other textile chemicals being used on fabrics and some antimicrobials fade fabric colors. So, existing antimicrobial treatments are limited in their use.

Dow Microbial Control took up the challenge of developing a delivery system that was compatible with the existing processes in the industry. SILVADUR Antimicrobial is easy to use and formulate, is homogeneously distributed on the surface, and will not leach or fade colors. Dow has been able to do this because we are known not just as a leader in antimicrobial science, but also for developing sustainable delivery technologies for antimicrobial solutions.

When did you launch this in India? What is the potential of SILVADUR in the Indian market?

This technology was in the making for three years before we launched it globally in October 2012. We have run it through multiple stages of development and testing to ensure SILVADUR performs as promised. We worked with Indian companies to refine the technology. And the market in India has picked up since 2012, with many prominent mills opting for SILVADUR. In India, we have a team of personnel focusing on market development. At Dow, we believe in focusing on local customers and solving challenges locally, not just working with global customers.

India is an important apparel exporter, and Dow has the ability to market this technology to global brands. We offer a wealth of business opportunities for those linked with Dow, as we can recommend which companies have qualified and are certified to run the product. Not just global brands, but also domestic brands in India are looking for ways to differentiate themselves. India drives the market for antimicrobial treated denims and work shirts. So we see immense opportunities for SILVADUR in India.

In an increasingly cost- and resource-conscious industry, how does SILVADUR perform?

SILVADUR helps companies extend their product lines and differentiate themselves in the marketplace. There are obvious operational efficiencies with SILVADUR. For example, it is a single component system compared to the two-component system generally used with binders. SILVADUR provides optimum dosing, thus reducing antimicrobial waste. It also brings unparalleled efficiency versus any other technology in terms of cost control.

Technologically, how easy or difficult is it to incorporate SILVADUR into existing systems?

SILVADUR can easily be incorporated in the existing operating systems of a mill. All plants today use either exhaustion or padding methods to apply finishes or other treatments. SILVADUR has been made for both systems. In fact, it can also go into other systems, such as spray systems. In addition, the product is designed so that the polymer does not react with other chemical treatments.

SILVADUR, when not fully exhausted, can be collected and reused. If not reused, it can be neutralized easily. Due to the unique polymer delivery system, rather than releasing silver particles, we consider that SILVADUR has a best-in-class environmental profile.

How many washes can SILVADUR endure?

As long as the polymer remains on the surface of the fabric, the antimicrobial properties will remain too. In terms of wash cycles, there are a couple of standards. Depending on the performance you want, we can optimize the formulation by altering how much is applied to the surface. So companies that want 15-20 washes don't need as much silver representation as 75 to 100 washes.

A treated shirt, to last 50 washes, will need not more than 15 ppm of SILVADUR. We have a customer in China that wanted 150 ppm in shoes because they needed it to last a certain number of wear cycles and not just wash cycles. W. L. Gore wanted something to last 5,000 hours for military boots and socks. SILVADUR has proven to be a very versatile, customizable and effective antimicrobial delivery technology.

On which fibers and product segments can SILVADUR be used?

We would love for it to be used everywhere that a need is identified. But we don't have that product line today, though it is in the making. The product line we now have provides the best results on polyester, polyester blends and wool blends. Natural fibers are more challenging. Two important factors define the product segments where SILVADUR is used - for odor management of the textile and where you need to preserve the fabric.

Thus, the largest use of SILVADUR is in fitness and sports apparel, shoes, shoe linings, socks, undergarments and tees - these are closest to the skin. In North America, SILVADUR is being used in home textiles and higher-value items in the purchase cycle. In industrial textiles, this technology is being used in the automotive industry, in protective wear and also in medical garments. Denim is a new and growing segment for SILVADUR.

What is the impact of SILVADUR on effluent?

We have submitted comprehensive dossiers relating to the environmental fate of SILVADUR products to the EPA and BPD authorities. These dossiers are currently under review. The data show that the risk to the environment from the use of SILVADUR-treated textiles is acceptable.

SILVADUR-treated textiles have preferable ecological performance due to the controlled release of active and absence of silver particles. I can't say that the polymer is 100% biodegradable, but we do know the polymer is of low toxicity to the environment. We are confident we have set a pretty high bar.

What is the impact on people who wear clothing treated with SILVADUR?

We have studied the effects of SILVADUR-treated textiles and have demonstrated that under recommended use concentrations, they are non-irritating and non-sensitizing.