Toray Industries, Inc. has developed MAKSPEC V, an antiviral textile that delivers exceptional washability and comfort. This polyester material is the fruit of proprietary textiles processing technology that ensures the durability of antiviral processing while providing a soft and comfortable texture. The antiviral properties of MAKSPEC V reduce the lipid bilayer envelopes of viruses on the material.

Toray aims to propose an array of applications that take advantage of these features. These extend from service, medical, work, school wear, and other uniforms to sportswear, casual apparel, and fashion wear.

The company will commercialize MAKSPEC V textiles in January 2021. It targets 300,000 square meters in sales in 2022, rising to 1 million square meters in 2025.

Toray resolved these issues by using optimal antiviral agents and leveraging a proprietary fixation technique for polyester fibers. Because of its ability to reduce envelope strains, MAKSPEC V accordingly received certification under the SEK Mark program of the Japan Textile Evaluation Technology Council as an Antiviral Finished Textile Product.

MAKSPEC V also offers good commercial laundry washability, maintains textile softness for wearer comfort and enables the colorfastness needed for fabric in regular apparel.

Key features: 

(1) Antiviral activity value exceeding 3.0

Tested with ATCC VR-1679 envelope strain; SEK Mark certification obtained for Antiviral Finished Textile Products

• Test methodology: JIS L 1922 antiviral test for textile products
• Infection measurement technique: Plaque assay
• Material tested: 100% polyester textile

(2) Exceptional commercial washability

Maintains durability normally expected from commercial usage

(3) Can be treated without impairing softness or colorfastness

• Antiviral processing is not for treating or preventing illnesses.
• Antiviral testing conducted on ATCC VR-1679 envelope strain over two hours at 25°C.
• Antiviral processing does not inhibit virus actions.