Media Release
Colan has launched the world’s first range of cloth masks using inherent anti-viral fabrics. The COLAN PAM™ range of masks are made using Metis PCA™ fibre, proven to inactivate SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes COVID-19 and has been given TGA approval as a Class 1 medical device.
Established in 1954, Colan Australia is an internationally recognised manufacturer and distributor of high-performance industrial textiles. Colan services three key industrial sectors; Composite Reinforcements, Thermal & Protective and Surf Craft.
Worlds first inherently anti-viral masks
To contribute to the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Colan has launched the world’s first range of inherently anti-viral cloth masks.
Colan has incorporated varying types and weights of Metis PCA™ based fabrics into primary and filter layers to produce a range of masks that offer a protective feature not available from any other masks. Colan PAM™ masks are being sold by Akeso Socks (a division of Colan Australia) alongside their range of anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and odour-free socks.
The anti-viral properties of the masks are inherent to the fibre, rather than the result of chemical treatments, ensuring continued protection over extended periods of use.
Metis PCA™, the fibre used to make the masks, is also inherently anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, flame retardant, moisture absorbing and complies with the requirements of the world’s leading textile environmental standard OEKO-TEX 100 which signifies that the fibre does not contain materials that are harmful to humans.
Colan PAM™ fabrics will enable the manufacture of a wide range of PPE clothing and equipment using an inherent anti-viral fabric, again a world first.
Tested against SARS-CoV-2 by 360biolabs
Metis employed the services of 360biolabs, a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited clinical trial speciality laboratory based in Melbourne, to test the efficacy of Metis PCA™ fibre’s anti-viral properties directly against SARS-CoV-2. The results were exciting. They showed the inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 after 3 hours of contact with the fibre.
TGA approval as a Class 1 medical device
Metis PCA™ Fibre has been given TGA approval as a Class 1 medical device following the recent anti-viral testing from 360biolabs.
Its use will be invaluable as the primary material in protective face masks, or as the filter layer in protective face masks, or other PPE. The anti-viral properties in masks made under the Colan PAM™ label, offer a unique advantage over any other cloth face masks found currently in the market.
Read the full media release here.
