#Textile chemistry

2020-10-01

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

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.”

HEIQ expands in ASIA with BIG SUNSHINE as key partner

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HeiQ announces return to private company structure

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HeiQ and GQ Apparel bring biobased cooling to denim in Thailand

HeiQ, a global leader in textile and materials innovation, proudly announces a strategic cooperation with GQ Apparel, a premier Thailand-based tech apparel brand. GQ Apparel enhances it denim offering with HeiQ’s advanced cooling solution, marking a significant milestone in the Southeast Asian market.

HeiQ expands application of HeiQ Allergen tech to upholstery fabric through collaboration with CULP

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SOKO presents low-impact denim finishing innovations at Denim PV Milan

SOKO will present a range of sustainable denim finishing technologies and collaborative projects at the upcoming Denim Première Vision Milan on 20–21 May in Milan. At booth G27 in Superstudio Più, the company will showcase new chemical solutions designed to combine fashionable denim effects with reduced environmental impact.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.