Originally posted on Sourcing Journal Online February 23, 2015 by Lainie Lamicella

Burlington will incorporate a new fiber technology in its upcoming protective apparel. PurThread Technologies, Inc., an antimicrobial fiber and yarn innovator, is partnering with Burlington, a global textile leader that supplies performance fabrics to markets around the world, to provide antimicrobial and anti-odor protection for use in the global healthcare, industrial and apparel markets.

“Burlington is proud to continue its advanced R&D efforts to bring leading innovations in textile technology that provide real, lasting enhancements to our customers through our partnership with PurThread,” said Burlington president Jeff Peck. “Following rigorous testing, PurThread’s embedded antimicrobial is found to be extremely effective and durable, and we look forward to introducing PurThread’s benefits in our Burlington brand fabrics.”

PurThread’s silver-embedded yarn will be incorporated into Burlington’s products for this added protection. In a recent study conducted by the University of Arizona, the silver-embedded yarn was shown to kill 99.99 percent of salmonella and other dangerous bacteria on its surface within two hours of contact. The silver used in the yarn is non-nano ionic silver salt, which is safe and EPA registered.

PurThread is the first to embed silver into the fiber itself before it is spun into yarn and woven into fabrics. The company said this method does not change the fabric’s physical characteristics, and also notes, since the silver is embedded, the yarn’s antimicrobial benefits cannot be washed off or wear away throughout the fabric’s life.