The US outdoor outfitter Patagonia and the Swiss IP innovator HeiQ have been collaborating since 2015. Now the joint research has resulted in an odor control technology for textiles, which was recently introduced.
Called HeiQ Fresh Mnt, the technology is next-generation odor control derived from mint essential oil, derived from a renewable and sustainable source. This gives the textiles long-lasting odor protection, which ensures that the garments smell fresh and the wearer feels clean and comfortable all day long.
“HeiQ Fresh Mnt is further validation of our commitment to improving people’s lives through sustainable innovation. Thanks to odor control, you wash less, which saves water, detergent, energy and microfiber and extends the life of the garments. We can all now look forward to a fresher-smelling society with natural, reliable and permanent odor control,” said Carlo Centonze, co-founder and CEO of HeiQ, in a statement.
HeiQ Fresh Mnt is the newest member of the HeiQ Fresh family of sustainable odor management technologies, complementing the company’s mineral-based HeiQ Fresh Hax and bio-based HeiQ Fresh Ffl. Based on test method ISO17299-3A using isovaleric acid, the treated synthetic fibers have more than twice the odor control efficiency of current industry standards.
“HeiQ is a valuable innovation partner and we are really excited about this technology. HeiQ Fresh Mnt not only keeps garments fresh in a sustainable way, but actually does more than what we currently use. We have relentlessly tested this technology and built the supply chain to bring HeiQ Fresh Mnt enhanced products to market as quickly as possible,” adds Laura Hoch, Patagonia’s Material Innovation Engineer.
As a development partner, Patagonia plans to be the first company to embrace this technology and begin retrofitting all of its products in the near future.
The research partnership, based on the two companies’ similar environmental and social philosophies, will continue. While Patagonia provides the ideas and sets the principles, HeiQ uses its expertise in formulating specialty chemicals and applying them to textiles to create finishes that outperform the market in terms of sustainability and functionality.