Intelligent Silver-based Antimicrobial Technology

SILVADUR^TM is an innovative antimicrobial technology specifically tailored for the textile and apparel industry. Its patented, intelligent controlled-release delivery system conveys a low concentration of silver ions on fabric surfaces and activates them only in the presence of undesirable bacteria. The benefits of this intelligent technology include durable antimicrobial protection for more than 50 washings and no yellowing or staining of apparel and home textiles. Most importantly, apparel and home textiles treated with SILVADUR maintain their freshness longer.

“SILVADUR has received  widespread  praise in China’s apparel and home furnishings markets and has been well received by textile producers and consumers in China and around the world in the past year,” said Vincent Zeng, Dow Microbial Control Greater China Commercial Manager.  “In addition to its high degree of efficacy, consumers are reacting positively to the fact that SILVADUR-treated articles are non-toxic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating to human skin.  They also appreciate that it does not release silver particulates into the environment and is also recyclable and reusable during processing.”

Xtep, the China-based manufacturer and marketer of sports apparel and footwear, is treating much of its athletic footwear, including shoes and socks, with SILVADUR. Li Xia, Director of the Footwear Commodities Center at Xtep participated in the SILVADUR  product event and shared Xtep’s perspectives on the product.

“Odor control has become  very important to the consumers who purchase our apparel and footwear,” said Li Xia. “During extensive testing, technical experts from Xtep and Dow worked together to evaluate the performance of SILVADUR. Results of rigorous testing showed conclusively that SILVADUR^TM was much more evenly applied to the substrates of our footwear  than other antimicrobials we had tested. It also  exhibited a high degree of efficacy in controlling a broad spectrum of odor-causing bacteria in shoe linings and insoles.  And it is very durable -- after 50 rigorous launderings, SILVADUR still had  a 99% antimicrobial control rate against bacteria and fungi.”

SILVADUR^TM was selected by R&D Magazine as one of the top 100 most technologically significant products introduced into the marketplace in 2012-2013. It has been assessed as harmless to human health and added to the list of active chemical products approved  by the International Oeko-Tex Association.