Fabrics and finishes

Antimicrobial

This finish gives the fabric the ability to retard the growth of odour‐causing bacteria

Microbes or microorganisms, invisible to the naked eye, are the oldest form of life on planet Earth and include bacteria, fungi and viruses. Some of these microorganisms are harmful to the human
body, however, many of them are beneficial and crucial to life.

Natural fibres such as cotton, wool and linen are easily affected by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Synthetic fibres, such as polyurethane fibres, are also subject to microorganisms and the consequences of their proliferation. In addition to the type of fibre, the environment to which the fabric is exposed can also exacerbate the problem, particularly when subjected to humidity and heat.

Perspiration, dust and dirt are prime media for the proliferation of microorganisms, which consequently results in the release of an unpleasant odour.

In addition to the odour, there may also be pigmentation or discolouration of the tissue.

The antimicrobial finish can be categorised into 3 main groups:

Mold/mildew-proof finish

Protection against physical deterioration of the fabric

Hygienic finish

Concern with infection control and the appearance of unwanted microorganisms such as dust mites (finish widely used in mattresses, sheets, carpets, etc.).

Aesthetic finish

Odour control and stain prevention

A fabric with an antimicrobial finish is expected to:

Ability to kill or stop the growth of microbes (particularly bacteria and fungi)
Ability to control odour from perspiration
Reproducibility, i.e. that it behaves the same when subjected to multiple washes, dry cleaning or the high temperatures of the iron
Compatibility with other types of finishes
Low toxicity, no allergenic or irritant potential for the user

Applications:

Outdoor and climate‐exposed workers (odour, mould and mildew control), hospital or healthcare workers, workers in busy public spaces (decrease cross‐infection).

Antiviral

See also

Antiviral

Antistatic

Chemical resistant (anti-acid)

Water repellent

High visibility

Flame retardant

90% of our fabric suppliers are Portuguese. This way we support and help develop national trade.

At UNIFARDAS® we provide reusable bottles and a water dispenser so that employees can stay hydrated.
We have partnered with a local pharmacy so that our employees can enjoy lower prices on the products they need.

At UNIFARDAS® we ensure the full and effective participation of women and equal opportunities for leadership.
We provide training in a wide range of areas for men and women.

UNIFARDAS® supports Espaço T, which is an inclusive organisation, of all and for all, and our common goal is to increase employment opportunities for young people with special needs and/or who, for some reason, have been excluded from the labour market.

We work hard to provide safe working conditions by going beyond the imposed and mandatory minimums.

We support, nurture and offer continuous training programmes aimed at improving skills.

At UNIFARDAS® we keep up to date with the latest technologies and innovations that can optimise our production process making it more efficient and close to zero waste.

UNIFARDAS® is a partner of Espaço T, an inclusive organisation, of all and for all, with the common goal of increasing employment opportunities for young people with special needs and/or who, for some reason, have been excluded from the labour market. In this organisation, immigrants will also find a support network in finding work and housing.

In addition to the sustainable path we have been taking throughout our production and supply chain, UNIFARDAS® participates, supports and organises a beach clean-up every year after the bathing season, in partnership with World Clean-up Day. We are also partners of Seaqual, an entity that, together with some other partners, promotes the collection of ocean waste and its transformation into upcycled marine plastic that will then be used in the production of fabric and other sustainable products.

We call goal 12 our major goal. It is with it that we achieve a large part of the sustainable development goals proposed by the United Nations. More than producing garments with recycled/recyclable fabric, UNIFARDAS® made a commitment in 2019 to become the leading company in Portugal to develop environmentally sustainable uniform solutions, based on a circular supply chain. This means that we are on the path to making our entire chain more sustainable, from product design, through production and ending with the delivery of the product to the customer's home/company. Our mission is to make waste close to zero through a more efficient and sustainable chain.

In addition to the sustainable path we have been taking throughout our production and supply chain, UNIFARDAS® participates, supports and organises a beach clean-up every year after the bathing season, in partnership with World Clean-up Day. We are also partners of Seaqual, an entity that, together with some other partners, promotes the collection of ocean waste and its transformation into upcycled marine plastic that will then be used in the production of fabric and other sustainable products.