Serge Ferrari and MHZ come up with solutions

Corona protection remains topical

The line went up, a peak was the result, and now there is a downward trend. But the zero line has not yet been reached, so corona is still a real threat. The one-and-a-half meter remains, no handshaking remains, and so do the hygiene measures. And so companies remain - also awning companies - respond to the situation and offer products that can make life a little safer and more pleasant in corona time. In the Journal of Z&R 4, Prostor's screens have already been introduced. In this Z&R, Serge Ferrari and MHZ follow suit.

Serge Ferrari Group announced that it has successfully developed a technology that reduces the presence of coronaviruses on the surface of coated tissues 15 minutes after contact with 95%, even by 99.5% after one hour. These results have been validated by Virhealth, a laboratory specializing in antiviral and antibacterial testing.

Together with other preventive measures, this technology can help make textile surfaces safer in public or high-traffic places, according to Serge Ferrari. These include hospitals, schools, nurseries, as well as offices, stores, cultural institutions, leisure facilities and public transport.

Office situation.

Technology based on silver particles

Based on the properties of silver particles, Serge Ferrari's R&D teams developed a technology that can eliminate coronaviruses. Several of the Group's existing products were evaluated and ways to prevent coated tissues from becoming reproductive sources for viruses and bacteria were explored. The goal was to develop tissues that could greatly reduce the likelihood and rate of infection.

"We identified the antiviral properties of silver to develop innovative formulas for coating our tissues," said Philippe Espiard, director of R&D at Serge Ferrari Group. "The effectiveness of these formulas was verified by the independent laboratory Virhealth. We then used our extensive expertise to determine the recipes of this coating and its potential industrial applications. With our ability to bring groundbreaking innovations to market, Serge Ferrari hopes to contribute to alleviating the needs arising from this pandemic."

Serge Ferrari's coated anti-corona fabric.

The new technology allows Serge Ferrari Group to market coated fabrics with antiviral properties for various applications:

- For modular structures for patient care, such as field hospitals, tents for rapid deployment or for temporarily increased storage capacity in hospitals

- Interior design, such as partition screens and window coverings for hospital rooms

- Medical applications, such as washable mattresses, stretchers and upholstery for medical furniture

-  Individual protective equipment, such as jumpsuits

In addition to these applications, Serge Ferrari believes this technology can also make a valuable contribution to security in public or high-traffic places, including schools, nurseries, offices, stores, hospitality venues, public transportation and during events.

Serge Ferrari's coated anti-corona fabric applied to school furniture.

"The Serge Ferrari Group has extensive experience in developing coated fabrics that meet the specific requirements and needs of healthcare," said Sébastien Ferrari, chairman and CEO of Serge Ferrari Group. "Concern and consideration for others are at the heart of Serge Ferrari's healthcare philosophy, even - and especially - in precarious situations. Our teams are proud to play an important role in the fight against the corona pandemic and contribute to a greater social cause."

Hygiene screen from MHZ

Specialist in interior blinds and window coverings MHZ has taken a different approach to anticipate the corona crisis. The company offers an hygiene screen that can serve as a secure barrier against the transmission of viruses and bacteria. The screen consists of a polycarbonate pane encased in an attractively shaped aluminum frame. MHZ commends it as a qualitative and at the same time aesthetic solution.

The new product is available in four standard sizes and is extremely stable, according to MHZ. The screens are manufactured using high-quality screen profiles from Neher. "The hygiene screen from MHZ is suitable for many applications and, thanks to its user-friendly adhesive tape mounting, can be quickly and easily attached to the desired location without drilling and screws," said MHZ managing director Emmanuel Paquet. "This makes it an interesting alternative to ceiling mounting, which is often not possible or not well possible in high rooms. Moreover, the adhesive tape can be removed without leaving any adhesive residue and the hygiene screen can then easily be reattached in another place. Easy cleaning and disinfection also make this new product extremely user-friendly and safe." The hygiene screen is available as standard in widths of 650, 1250 and 2450 mm and in heights of 1000 and 2450 mm. Customization is also available upon request.