Bangladesh Textile Today, a global textile media and knowledge network, has collaborated with APG Group, an export-oriented apparel manufacturer in Bangladesh, for the launch of functional masks using HeiQ Viroblock – a Swiss technology capable of deactivating viruses by up to 99.99 per cent.

The masks have been tested against its effectivity in recognised international laboratory and it was found that the fabric is almost 99.78 per cent effective in deactivating microbes even after 20 washes at 30 degree Celsius.

Moreover, the masks are also tested in Bangladesh Government-approved laboratory and are proven to be 98 per cent effective in blocking the bacteria that reaches the masks equivalent to Type II and Type IIR grade medical or surgical mask.

Furthermore, the report reveals that the mask’s virus filtration capacity is about 86 per cent or more taking the mask equivalent to FFP 2 grade respiratory mask.

These masks are comfortable, reusable and biodegradable according to the company. The daily cost price of using the masks is only about Tk 2.67.

The HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 technology consists of minute amount of recycled silver active ingredient and fatty liposome vesicle components. The technology has been approved at the cosmetic grade and is suitable for application close to face contacts.