Sunbury launches Microban process

Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 10/20/2003 12:00:00 AM

NEW YORK —

Sunbury launched the Microban antimicrobial process for decorative fabrics at the International Home Furnishings Market in High Point, NC, last week.

The process, which is exclusive to Sunbury in the decorative fabrics market, is a topical process that will be offered on all the company's fabrics, said Rocco Simone, senior vp. "It's great not just for the hospitality contract business, but also for residential uses," Simone explained. "Just think of grandparents whose grandkids have colds while visiting — and Microban will eliminate much of the contamination on the bed coverings or furniture."

The Microban process will be about $2 per yarn more than untreated fabrics, he said.

Sunbury and Microban will launch a joint marketing effort including home furnishings magazine advertising and major promotional efforts with key accounts, he said.

Microban can be used with textile products of all types in numerous ways, explained Billy Henry, president of Huntersville, NC-based Microban Americas, including topically, into latex coating and within the fiber. It is a built-in process that eliminates bacteria, mold and mildew that can cause stains, odors or deterioration of fabric, Henry related. "It's built in for the usable life of the fabric."