[pageLogInLogOut]

#Textile chemistry

HeiQ and Hockey Club Ambrì-Piotta Sharks protect fans with branded, antiviral face masks

© 2020 HeiQ
The current COVID-19 pandemic has hit the sports industry hard, threatening the future and livelihood of clubs, teams, players and stadiums alike. Despite the economic uncertainty and the probability of having to play matches without supporters in the stands, the resilience of this industry is shining through as preparations for the new league season are in full swing.

Standing strong in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hockey Club Ambrì-Piotta protects its fans with branded, antiviral face masks, in time for the upcoming reopening of hockey stadiums in Switzerland.

Hockey Club Ambrì-Piotta (HCAP) has been playing in the highest National league since 1985 and is characterized by a tough fighting spirit and great resilience. Despite today’s difficult circumstances, the Ambrì-Piotta team and the unbroken support of its fans remain strong. The game is on!

Swiss textile innovator HeiQ has created some of the most effective, durable and high-performance textile effects on the market today. HeiQ places a high value on its commitment to the community, in line with the reputation for high-level quality and innovation that Swiss brands enjoy.

HeiQ has produced protective face masks, powered by HeiQ Viroblock, for HCAP. HeiQ Viroblock is one of the world’s most efficient and effective antiviral/antimicrobial technologies and has been applied to at least 1 billion masks worldwide to date. With this gesture, HeiQ underlines its support not just of the sports industry but of the public safety, providing fans the opportunity to enjoy their favorite games safely and comfortably.

The HeiQ Viroblock face masks illustrated here have been designed for HCAP team members, and only a limited number are available for sale in the HeiQ online shop. From September 28, 2020, HCAP-HeiQ Viroblock co-branded masks will go on sale in the HCAP online shop, with all profit going to HCAP, contributing to keep one of Switzerland’s most resilient and iconic Sports Clubs in the game. Season ticket holders will receive free masks.


HeiQ Group CEO Carlo Centonze, an avid ice hockey fan and former captain of the Chiasso hockey club youth team, said: “Having played ice hockey as a teenager and experienced both the fun and hard work that goes into becoming a top-class player, I cannot be prouder to support our historic club HCAP. We hope our contribution plays a role in helping the sport move forward with all participants enjoying a feeling of security with the new normal.”

HCAP CEO Nicola Mona commented: “Flexibility, agility and perseverance are the buzz words today, and for us at HCAP, we are ready to face and overcome the hurdles posed by the current situation. Especially now that we are armed with HeiQ protection, we enter the new season with confidence to fight for our fans and give them a memorable season on the ice.”

President of the International Ice Hockey Federation Réne Fasel commented: “This is the first stage of re-opening stadiums to ice hockey fans in Switzerland. The safety of players, officials and spectators must be the top priority, so it is good to see that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure a safe re-opening. I look forward to the start of the season and to arenas once again filling with fans.”


More News from HeiQ Materials AG

More News on Textile chemistry

#Textile chemistry

PFAS restrictions drive innovation in waterproof breathable fabrics

Innovation in waterproof breathable fabrics and apparel is being driven by legislation restricting the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) as manufacturers develop alternative membranes and finishes for use in outdoor apparel, according to “Waterproof breathable fabrics: changing legislation is driving innovation”, a 50-page report from the global business information company Textiles Intelligence.

#Techtextil & Texprocess 2028

Techtextil and Texprocess 2028 strengthen networking and business opportunities along the textile value chain

Techtextil and Texprocess are preparing for their next editions from 4 to 7 April 2028 in Frankfurt with an optimised hall layout designed to strengthen connections across the textile value chain. The new structure brings materials, production technologies and processing solutions closer together, while several leading international companies have already confirmed their participation. Exhibitors can benefit from early-booking rates until 30 November 2026.

#Textile chemistry

Archroma and Prosperity Textile to collaborate on denim innovation

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Prosperity Textile, an international fabric manufacturer with production bases in China and Vietnam, have announced a partnership to drive denim innovation. They will collaborate to develop, evaluate and implement new approaches to improve denim aesthetics, durability and performance, with a shared commitment to sustainability.

#Textile chemistry

SANITIZED and RUDOLF join forces to extend textile performance and wearability

Long-lasting performance textiles require solutions that address a wide range of consumer expectations, from lasting freshness and comfort to reliable protection against the elements. SANITIZED and RUDOLF are highlighting their latest innovations, demonstrating how specialized textile technologies can support the functional durability and wearability of modern apparel.

Latest News

#Textile processing

YKK Bangladesh celebrates 25 years of fastening production and business development

YKK Bangladesh Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of Japanese fastening manufacturer YKK Corporation, has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony in Dhaka on November 8, 2026. Since its establishment in November 2000, the company has expanded its manufacturing capacity and business operations alongside the growth of Bangladesh's apparel industry.

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

Murata Machinery to showcase AIcone winding and high-speed VORTEX spinning at ITMA ASIA 2026

Japanese textile machinery manufacturer Murata Machinery will present its PROCESS CONER AIcone automatic winder and VORTEX 870 EX spinning machine at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026. Under the theme “Right Choice, Bright Future”, the company will highlight technologies for efficient yarn manufacturing, combining energy-saving winding solutions with high-speed air-jet spinning. Visitors can meet Murata Machinery in Hall 5, Booths E01 and E02.

#ITMA Asia + CITME 2026

DORNIER highlights airbag, filtration and composite weaving technologies at ITMA ASIA 2026

Lindauer DORNIER will present its latest developments in air-jet and rapier weaving technology for technical textiles at ITMA ASIA + CITME 2026. The German machinery manufacturer will focus on the reliable and efficient production of airbag fabrics, high-density filters and reinforcement textiles for fibre-reinforced composites. Alongside its A2 air-jet and P2 rapier weaving machines, DORNIER will highlight its TRITOS FLEX technology for complex 3D composite preforms, retrofit solutions and expanded service capabilities in Asia. The company will exhibit in Hall 3, Stand E02.

#Retail & Brands

Marks & Spencer expands across Asia Pacific through partnership with Global Fashion Group

Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Global Fashion Group (GFG) have announced a strategic partnership to expand the British retailer's fashion business across Asia Pacific. M&S has launched on Southeast Asian fashion platform ZALORA and plans to enter THE ICONIC in Australia and New Zealand in early 2027. The agreement also introduces regional fulfilment for Australian M&S.com orders, enabling faster deliveries and returns while supporting a capital-light international growth strategy.

TOP