The display kit supplier said its immediately available HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 technology has been tested to be 99.99% effective within 30 minutes against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, and is designed to inhibit the growth and persistence of bacteria enveloped viruses on textile surfaces.

Ultima said the substrate's antiviral and antibacterial properties “are due to a unique combination of silver and vesicle technologies designed to significantly reduce viral and bacterial infectivity on treated surfaces”.

“Our industry has been badly affected with the pandemic and we have seen our customers and dealers’ businesses suffer,” said Ultima Displays managing director Mark McCleery.

“The treated stretch textile with the HeiQ Viroblock technology is a game changer for the industry, as it opens the door to fabric displays across retail, exhibition, conference and events. The inherent self-sanitising properties means that the graphic remains germs and microbes resistant without the need to wipe clean.”

To compliment the stretch fabric, a display polyester version is also now available for use with a variety of wall mounted or freestanding TFS (tension fabric system) frames.

The treated textile can be cleaned if graphics become dirty by gently washing at 60°C for up to 30 washes, without affecting the antimicrobial properties.

Ultima said stringent tests have been carried out to ensure the treated textile with the HeiQ Viroblock technology has a strong antimicrobial efficacy demonstrated by ISO 20743 and ISO 18184. The technology is EU REACH compliant and certified as safe, as all its ingredients are cosmetic grade, bio-based and recycled.

HeiQ Viroblock NPJ03 is patent pending and is also Oeko-Tex certified.