HeiQ and Culp work together to combat allergies

HeiQ, which is headquartered in Schlieren in the canton of Zurich, has developed HeiQ Allergen Tech: a biobased, probiotic textile application that reduces exposure to allergens such as dust mites and pet hair. It has now agreed a partnership with upholstery fabric producer Culp, based in High Point in the U.S. State of North Carolina. According to a press release, this collaboration will enable the product to be applied to textiles for upholstered furniture, such as sofas and armchairs – which are difficult to clean.

Culp unveiled its first HeiQ Allergen Tech-treated fabrics at the Interwoven Trade Fair 2024 in High Point on May 7 and 8. By working together, the two companies aim to extend the use of HeiQ Allergen Tech, which has already been applied to bedroom textiles like bed sheets, pillows and mattresses, to living room fabrics. They also plan to introduce upholstered furniture that has been enhanced with the technology to the international market.

“This collaboration further establishes HeiQ as a solutions provider to problems that impact millions of people worldwide,” says Mike Abbott, Head of the HeiQ Textiles & Flooring Business Unit. “Allergies are triggered by various allergens and are one of the most prevalent health problems in the world.”

Tammy Buckner, Senior Vice President of Design and Marketing at Culp, says that by using HeiQ Allergen Tech for its fabrics, the company is offering its customers a solution that can make a real difference to their quality of life.

HeiQ is a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH). It is based in IJZ, Schlieren’s center for innovation and start-ups, and is a member of Start Smart Schlieren. ce/js