HeiQ, a technology company based in Schlieren in the Swiss canton of Zurich, has been deepening its partnership with Alchemie Technology from Cambridge in the United Kingdom, which has been ongoing since 2021. According to a press release, HeiQ is using Alchemie’s digital refining technology Novara for its new odor control process for textiles, called HeiQ Life. By using this with high-velocity jets, the substance can be applied to a single side using 84 percent less energy and 92 percent less water.
The substance HeiQ Life is extracted from peppermint oil. According to the press release from HeiQ, this tackles body odor at the source: the growth of odor-producing bacteria is inhibited on the textile’s surface. Sports clothing, underwear, casual and business wear, and home textiles are listed as the areas of application.
The textile industry is one of the largest environmental polluters on the planet according to Dr. Simon Kew, Managing Director of Alchemie Technology. Around 1 million metric tons of chemicals are used each year for applying functional finishes to clothing and home textiles. The new procedure reduces energy and water consumption as well as the environmental impact.
Co-Founder and CEO of HeiQ Carlo Centonze comments: “Consumers typically wash apparel when they smell. Odor-free textiles will be laundered less frequently thereby using less resources”. With HeiQ Life, consumers could wash textiles less frequently and wear them more often.
HeiQ, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH), has its headquarters at the IJZ Innovations- und Jungunternehmerzentrum [Innovation and Startup Center Schlieren] and is a member of Start Smart Schlieren.