A new collaboration aims to scale antimicrobial textile solutions.
Last week, German specialty chemical company Rudolf announced a strategic partnership with Heraeus Precious Metals, a leading company in the precious metals industry. The agreement enables Rudolf exclusive marketing of products made with Heraeus Precious Metals’ AGXX technology—an alternative to conventional biocides like silver.
AGXX is based on a catalytic reaction triggered by the interaction of two precious metals. In the presence of air humidity, oxygen is converted into reactive oxygen species, which kills odor-causing and other microorganisms. It also has an oxidative effect on odor-causing residues. As the mechanism is based on a circular redox system, AGXX technology is not consumed but continuously regenerated.
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The technology can be applied to textile finishing processes or directly to fibers and yarns.
“Our strategic collaboration with Rudolf is a significant step towards the further development of the textile market. Together, we will continue to develop the application possibilities of AGXX particles in textile finishing and explore new areas of application and effectiveness for the technology,” said Martin Danz, Heraeus Precious Metals global head of antimicrobial technologies.
Rudolf has long believed that antimicrobial innovation holds the potential to transform the textile industry over the long term. In July, the company established a worldwide distribution deal to scale Sanitized AG’s odor neutralization and antimicrobial technologies. Rudolf also offers hygiene-focused technologies like Silverplus.
Marcos Furrer, Rudolf CEO, said the partnership with Heraeus Precious Metals sends a clear message about the power of collaboration.
“We are combining two strong innovative forces to give the textile industry new impulses,” he said. “AGXX technology complements our portfolio perfectly—it is powerful, performance-oriented and offers real added value for our customers. Together with Heraeus Precious Metals, we are creating solutions that are functionally impressive and at the same time meet the growing demands of the market.”
