Textile Insight

Botanical Formulation Expands Noble Biomaterials' Antimicrobial Offering. By Emily Walzer IN THE MARKET / PRODUCT INNOVATION textileinsight.com November/December 2022 ~ Textile Insight • 7 W ith its latest development Noble Biomaterials checks many of the boxes important in today's textile market- place. Ionic+ Botantical is a plant-based, durable antimicrobial that meets the per- formance challenge head-on. e launch is also Noble's first non-silver innovation, extending the Scranton, PA, firm's product portfolio as well aligning it with the industry's current mindset. Noble addressed the innovation process from a science-first perspective. The approach was to start with a clean slate and build a technology that had high levels of performance, quality components and a regulatory profile that supported its use throughout the world, not just the U.S. "Our goal was to create a renewable resource-based material technology that had the performance criteria that were very powerful and extremely durable," explains Joel Furey, founder and CCO at Noble Biomaterials. "at's where we started. And where we ended is a very elegant solution to the problem involved." e new formulation uses a renewable citric-based technology, pending EPA approval, and applied as a topical fabric finish. Ionic+ Botanical's durability comes from the use of its advanced textile technology and is rated at 50 wash cycles. "is is an active ingredient that is extremely safe," Furey shares, pointing out that citric acid is widely used in pharmaceuticals and most food products – though obviously a different use than how it is applied by Noble, but the same principle applies. "ere is a challenge to meet EPA guidance and maintain durable performance. We made a clear distinction here in developing the best botanical product in the market to carry on the strength of our Ionic+ technology," says Furey. Noble's existing antimicrobial fabric technology, Ionic+ Mineral, uses positively charged silver ions to inhibit growth of bacteria on so surfaces. e silver metalized- yarn and silver extruded-yarn features permanent technology that never washes out. e launch of Ionic+ Botanical allows Noble to complement its Ionic+ Mineral permanent yarns with renewable topic fabric treatment. All Noble Biomaterials products are EPA registered; the EPA plays a big role in antimicrobials and odor-management specifically. Market Opportunities Creating technologies that offer higher performance with fewer chemicals in products built to last is a key driver across industries, from outdoor/active lifestyle and fashion to the home textiles category with new fabrics developed with a keen focus on eliminating the traditional tradeoffs between functionality and sustainability. "Ionic+ Botanical is designed to carry the Ionic+ name," points out Allon Cohne, Noble's CMO. "Two important challenges were met, being EPA registered and performance durability. We've been working on this concept for a couple years, and saw an opportunity to expand our portfolio and specifically wanted to pursue a plant-based solution." In an effort to help clients customize their approach to innovating sustainable fabrics, the Ionic+ products provide unique solutions. "Our mineral permanent technology is used on products designed for a long life cycle and extend life for re- commerce and technical performance," states Furey. "Our bio-based durable technology is applied on products that strive to reduce care maintenance and conserve water and energy resources." Prior to the pandemic, Noble execs recognized increasing demand for Ionic+ and antimicrobial fabrics in activewear and health care. at trend has not only continued but widened as individuals and industries seek antimicrobial fabrics for a variety of end uses, be it travel or in the hospitality sector. "Consumers want to trust textiles in their homes, in the outdoors and in all aspects of lifestyle," comments Cohne. Noble is developing Ionic+ Botanical with partners that include Salomon, Chrystal Denim and Trident, a global leader in home textiles. "Our collaboration with Noble on Ionic+ allows Salomon products to be worn longer between wishes, reducing the impact on water usage," says Tim Maud, Innovation Lab director at Salomon. "Using Noble's biobased, anti-odor treatment ensures our impact on the environment is lessened and our product life cycle is increased." "Our partnership with Noble in developing new products with Ionic+ is key to our leadership position," states Jeffery Kambak, CEO of U.S. operation at Trident Group, a global manufacturer of home fashions. Cohne highlights that Ionic+ Botanical affords a market opportunity to "transcend apparel," and evolve collaborations in a wide array of other markets. "It is certainly something that can be more prevalent," adds Cohne. n Pursuit of a Plant-Based Solution Getting out the word with a new campaign from Noble that highlights the renewable properties of Ionic+ Botanical.

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