The market for antiviral textiles – fabrics that are resistant to the proliferation of microbes – is growing, explains Textiles Intelligence, which has been providing business information for the international textile fibres and clothing industry for almost 30 years. Awareness of the benefits and the increased affordability and availability of garments are the main reasons. Projections forecast an increase of 10% per year in the medium term. However, there are challenges being posed to producers of these types of textiles, with regard to sustainability. The concerns lie, above all else, in the release of silver nano-particles into the environment, making it vital that we search for equally effective but more ecological alternatives.
