Brands Direct Everything; Manufacturers and Mills Just Trying to Be Profitable

If one thinks even of just bandages, etc, the history of antimicrobial textiles is age-old. But it seems only now that antimicrobial fabrics are seen as a distinct market segment. How do you react to this assertion?
Steve Savage: Antimicrobial fabrics have been used for decades in the textile market. That just shows a lack of awareness up to this point. Antimicrobial options make up a multi-billion-dollar industry in textiles and have for years.

You are correct that antimicrobials are not new. You even point out about its use in bandages, etc. Before Fuze’s F1 product, there have not been any new antimicrobials entering the market in more than 50 years. It’s been very old, World-War-II-era products. Now we have a tremendous new technology that is far more effective, 100% environmentally safe, chemical free, and last the lifetime of a garment.

How do you perceive the difference between garments with anti-microbial properties vis-a-vis medical textiles where such properties need to be intrinsic, as a fait accompli. How does a manufacturer or a technology provider look at something as fundamental as this?
Steve Savage: The distinction between garments with anti-microbial properties and medical textiles lies primarily in the intended application and the intrinsic nature of the properties required. Garments with antimicrobial properties are often designed for general use, such as sportswear or everyday clothing, where the anti-microbial feature can enhance comfort by reducing odour or improving hygiene. In contrast, medical textiles require intrinsic anti-microbial properties, as these materials are used in environments where hygiene is critical—such as surgical gowns, wound dressings, and implants.

But look at the fashion industry only, in which segment do you see the demand coming from mostly? Is it athleisure which is on a rise? Or, do you think all garments need to have anti-microbial properties as a basic element?
Steve Savage: Athleisure definitely makes up a large part of the antimicrobial market in textiles. But workwear, bedding, and outerwear—anything that is going to be worn for a significant amount of time, where odour may become an issue—have all become great uses of antimicrobials.

How is the development in the field of nanoparticles having a bearing on this segment? Are we going to see any technological leap in the near future? What should we expect?
Steve Savage: This is where Fuze is turning the industry on its head. Fuze has almost 50 worldwide patents on its ability to shape and size nano particles. Its these non-toxic, stable, permanent particles that are changing the industry. It’s the first new technology in antimicrobial products in the last 50 years.

Advances in antimicrobial products are R&D-driven. It is an expensive proposition. Comments, please.
Steve Savage: It is very expensive, not just the development, but also the testing and government regulations and time required that are put in place making it difficult for outside R&D to join the development. FUZE, and its parent company EVOQnano, have completed extensive research and development that have taken many years and millions of dollars to complete. The result has been the most effective and longest lasting antimicrobial ever.

Who takes the call on the active agents used? Is it the brand/retailer or is it the manufacturer? What kind of agents are preferred these days, synthetic organic agents like QQC or metallic salts? What about bio-based agents like chitosan?
Steve Savage: The brand directs everything. The manufacturer or mill is just trying to be profitable, so if the brand does not direct which antimicrobial to use they will use the cheapest option that they have available. Almost all antimicrobial finishes have a difficult time adhering to the textiles, require additional chemistry, which is not good for the environment.

And last of all, what are you working on at Fuze Technology? What new can we expect from Fuze in the coming days? In which geographies are you operating now? What about your clients?
Steve Savage: Fuze manufactures all its product in the USA and then ships to distribution hubs around the world. Fuze’s main focus is building chemical-free elements used for antimicrobial, odour control, and faster drying in textiles. All our products' durability surpasses 100 washes, is non-toxic, and chemical free. We are 99.7% purified water. We currently distribute and apply in factories and mills all over the world; the US, Peru, South America, Asia, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Europe, etc. Additionally, our product has been approved and certified by the Environmental Protection Agency not only in textiles, but on surfaces as well. Our product is easily applied to all surfaces and retains its antimicrobial efficacy for months on end.