The COVID-19 pandemic has given every being a tough time and alongside brought extensive changes in people's lifestyles. Along with healthcare and food, the fashion industry has also seen a resurgence during and post covid age, from sanitization closets to anti-viral clothes.
Furthermore, the Asia-Pacific region is the most prominent developer, manufacturer, and exporter of textiles across the globe, owing to a significant number of companies who are spending by textiles R&D centers in anti-viral fabrics post-pandemic.
In this article we will learn more about anti-viral fabrics and how did they become a crucial part of the fashion and textile industry post-COVID-19 pandemic.
What are anti-viral fabrics?
Anti-viral fabrics are textiles that have been treated with chemicals or coatings that can prevent the growth and spread of viruses on their surface. These fabrics are typically used in medical settings, such as hospitals and clinics, to protect against the spread of infectious diseases. They can also be used in other settings, such as public transportation and schools, to help prevent the spread of viruses like COVID-19. Some examples of anti-viral fabrics include polypropylene, polyethylene, and silver-coated fabrics.
These include:
Medical scrubs and gowns: These are worn by healthcare workers in hospitals and clinics to protect against the spread of infectious diseases.
Face masks: These are worn over the nose and mouth to prevent the spread of respiratory droplets and can be treated with anti-viral agents.
Gloves: These are worn by healthcare workers to protect their hands from coming into contact with infectious materials.
Hoods and caps: These are worn by healthcare workers to protect their hair and head from coming into contact with infectious materials.
Protective suits: These are worn by workers in high-risk environments, such as laboratories or emergency response teams, to protect against exposure to infectious materials.
Air-purifying clothes: These are special clothes that have air-purifying filters built-in to purify the air around the person wearing them.
According to the BIS Research report, the global anti-viral fabric market is expected to grow at a significant rate in various end-use applications with a total addressable market size of $226.92 billion in 2026.
Find more details of this report in this FREE sample.
How are anti-viral fabrics currently impacting the market?
The demand for these fabrics has risen as people have become more aware of the importance of preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
As a result, many companies have started producing anti-viral fabrics and garments, leading to increased competition in the market. This has led to a decrease in the cost of these fabrics and garments, making them more accessible to a wider range of consumers.
Companies like Pure & Secure produce a range of anti-viral fabrics, including polypropylene, polyethylene, and silver-coated fabrics that can be used in a variety of settings, such as hospitals and public transportation.
NanoBioMatters Industries produces an anti-viral fabric coating called "Viroblock" that can be applied to a variety of fabrics and textiles.
Furthermore, Microban International produces a range of anti-viral fabrics and coatings that can be used in a variety of products, such as medical scrubs, face masks, and gloves.
And HeiQ produces an anti-viral textile treatment called "Viroblock" that can be applied to a wide range of fabrics, including cotton and polyester.
What will be the future of anti-viral fabrics in the coming years?
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for anti-viral textiles, it's expected that the demand for such textiles will continue to grow in the post-pandemic world. With the increasing focus on infection control, the anti-viral textile market is expected to continue to grow in the future.
The future of anti-viral fabrics is likely to be shaped by a number of factors, including ongoing research and development, advances in technology, and changes in consumer demand.
One trend that is likely to continue is an increase in the use of anti-viral fabrics in a wide range of products, such as clothing, bedding, and home textiles. With the ongoing threat of infectious diseases, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of protecting themselves and their families from germs and viruses. This is expected to drive demand for anti-viral fabrics in the consumer market.
Another trend that is likely to continue is the development of new, advanced anti-viral fabrics. Researchers and scientists are currently working on developing new types of fabrics that can better protect against the spread of viruses and other infectious diseases. These advances are likely to lead to new, more effective anti-viral fabrics in the future.
Conclusion
The market for anti-viral fabrics is expected to continue growing in the coming years, as the threat of infectious diseases remains a concern and governments and organizations continue to focus on protecting public health.
Moreover, the integration of anti-viral properties with other properties like UV protection, moisture-wicking, and flame-resistant is expected to drive the demand for multi-functional textiles in the market.