What is anti-odor technology?
And why you should choose wisely…
Anti-odor technology.
Bad smell and bad odor is caused by bacteria. Preventing bacteria proliferation will prevent bad odor to occur. This type technology is found in many sports apparel to prevent bad smell from sweat. But these solutions come with a significant down side.
Common active ingredients.
Roughly all the anti-odor technology solutions are based on silver. Silver is very effective in killing odor-causing bacteria, so it may work very well for this application. But is it a good idea to use silver? Sure silver has been used by the ancient greek, but that does not mean it is safe. Because, no matter how you look at it; silver is toxic. Silver is toxic for humans, for animals, for aquatic life and for our environment as a whole.
Downsides & dangers.
Understanding silver is toxic is one thing. But what is even more important to realise is the fact that the silver solutions work because of migration. At specific humidity conditions (when you are sweating), the silver ingredient will start to migrate silver ions. So there are silver ions releasing from the surface/textile and these silver ions kill bacteria. So you are getting rid of odor causing bacteria, but you are also releasing these silver ions onto your skin and into the environment. And whilst these elements are released, less and less remain in the product/textile, so the functionality fades over time and with every washing cycle. Where do these elements then go?
Not sustainable.
The natural reaction of bacteria is to try to build up a resistance to anything that is attaching them. So over time bacteria are becoming more and more resistant technologies like these, promoting the creation of superbugs.
And as these technologies can end up anywhere; on your skin, in the air you breath, in the waste water after having the article in the washing machine, the long-term impact should not be underestimated.
The first anti odor technology that does not wash out and end up in our oceans.
A novel approach by Parx Materials.
The approach we have developed is significantly different.
We have looked at nature and our body’s immune system to come up with a sustainable approach on preventing (odor-causing) bacteria. The immune system in our skin for example, is relying on a trace element that you get by eating green vegetables and meat. It is an element that is intrinsic in the skin and does not come out. But yet it is very effective in fighting of bacteria and viruses.
The approach is one developed by specialists in biomimicry and biology. It is a holistic approach to preventing bacteria. Without using biocides, without using silver and without using toxic substance. Instead we are using a nutrient element that the body uses to fight of bacteria and viruses. And we managed to integrate it into plastics and polymers by creating an easy-to-use Saniconcentrate™ delivering a broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-odor performance.
Creating materials with an intrinsic immune system. Biocide-free and sustainable.
Highlights.
Biocompatible.
Only a natural trace element; an essential mineral identified as an element of utmost biological importance. You will find it in your food and you need it in your daily diet as it is vital for the human immune system.
No leaching.
An intrinsic/inert change in and on the surface of the material. There is no substance migrating or leaching to act against bacteria. The functionality is purely due to the improved mechanical/physical property if the material surface.
Independent.
The technology is not relying on any specific condition. It is unaffected by humidity, light, temperature, etc. That means the technology works as well in dark as in light or in dry as in humid environments. The technology does not need a ‘trigger’ to function. It is truly independent; it always works.
100% safe.
The technology does not contain toxic substances. There are no biocides, no silver, no triclosan, no nano-materials or any other harmful chemicals. There is only a natural trace element and it is fixed inside the material, So it is safe and it does not come out. It does not get any safer than this.
Forever lasting.
The functionality of the technology does not rely on migration, So there is nothing leaching away from the material over time. That means it will never run out, it is simply always there. So it will never fade away or wear off.
Authorised.
The technology fully complies with EU and USA food contact regulations and can be used without limitations in food contact applications. Third party regulatory experts confirm this and also confirm the safety compliance of the technology for the use in medical devices and implants.