HeiQ launches bacteria-based cleaning solution

HeiQ, the technology company based in Schlieren in the canton of Zurich, is launching a new range of cleaning products in the form of HeiQ Synbio in Switzerland. According to a press release, the patented technology uses probiotics, described by HeiQ as “good bacteria”, to sustainably clean surfaces and textiles. The new probiotic products also lead to a reduction of pollen allergens by almost 90 percent.

Two products are being offered straight away: The HeiQ Synbio Cleaning Spray for hard surfaces and the HeiQ Synbio Allergen Spray for textiles. According to HeiQ, the development of these two products was made possible following the takeover of the Belgian company Chrisal in March 2021. HeiQ Chrisal has since been operated as a subsidiary of the HeiQ Group and manufactures the Synbio products.

“Probiotic products are particularly helpful for people with allergies to dust mite matter, animal hair or pollen”, comments Nick Ritter, Sales Director Healthcare & Cosmetics at HeiQ, in the press release. They are able to reduce dust mite allergens by 60 percent and pollen allergens by almost 90 percent, Ritter explains further.

Robin Temmerman, microbiologist and CEO of HeiQ Chrisal, points out that consistent use of antibiotics and biocides can result in the creation of resistant microorganisms, sometimes referred to as “super bugs”, that pose a huge problem for hospitals. Probiotic cleaning products are “the only true sustainable solution to maintain good hygiene”, Temmerman explains.

HeiQ, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH), is headquartered at the IJZ, an innovation and start-up park located in Schlieren. The company is also a member of Start Smart Schlieren.