1. Home
  2. Blog

Caring For Consumers: with Birla Century’s Antimicrobial Product Range

Saikat Majumder, Head - Research and Development,


Birla Century is renowned for its innovative, groundbreaking work in the field of textiles. Being a responsible textile producer, we have turned to sustainable manufacturing with hi-class machinery to produce a wide range of premium textiles. As a company, we always endeavor to provide solutions for the utmost customer satisfaction. Our consumers are an integral part of our decision-making processes in the company, thus we pivot on customer trust and loyalty.

We have a well-integrated Research & Development (R&D) center in Bharuch, Gujarat (recognized by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India) with an active library of contemporary and advanced designs. Our H.O. designing team along with researchers and other designers at the plant keep adding new textiles to the extensive portfolio. With the immense support from the proficient technical and production team and state of the art infrastructure at spinning, weaving processing & quality assurance, Birla Century can be a trendsetter in the market.

But, it is not always about the trend. Most of the time, it is about doing what is needed.

The advent of COVID-19 has disrupted everything - life, businesses, economy, and countries. More so, it has radically changed the demand patterns for products in the market, and the Textile industry isn’t untouched. The home textile segment and the clothing apparel segment underwent massive changes for its functional attributes to keep up with the current demand scenario.

Therefore, all our efforts are focused on one main goal i.e. to provide solutions.

Birla Century’s R&D department is responsible for researching the breakthrough technologies in the field of textiles and aligning them with the present challenges by inculcating the following points:

  • Market Research
  • 'Outside In' & 'Inside Out' Innovations
  • Aspirations of Designers and Researchers
  • Bridging the Product Gap

Thus, to ensure business continuity, the R&D team started doing market surveys and scientific research on the products that were essential for the society in the current scenario while also observing the latest trends.

Introducing Anti-Microbial Product Range

We came out with the Health and Hygiene Care product range in home textiles and apparel. This was launched under the brand name "BIRLA-CARE" which has received a great consumer response. The range includes wellness products that are anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and odor-free.

We have signed a Trademark License Agreement with HeiQ for use of ViroBlock NPJ03 Chemistry, the world’s latest Silver and Vesicle technology-based product from the Swiss textile innovator. We have also entered into a technical partnership with Australian chemical company, HealthGuard, for developing high value but cost-effective products.

With the help of world-class fiber and chemical manufacturers complying with international norms and test protocols, Birla Century has introduced a collection of novel textile finishes including:

  • Premium Anti-Viral & Anti-Microbial Products with HeiQ Materials AG (Switzerland)
  • Anti-Microbial Products with Sanitize AG
  • Anti-bacterial, Anti-Viral & Anti-Fungal Products with Health Guard Technology (Australia)
  • Silver-based Anti-Microbial Products with Silvadur from DuPont and HeiQ pure tag

These finishes can be easily applied to all textiles. With this, you can:

  • Keep yourself, your family, and your surroundings safe and hygienic.
  • Guard yourself against microbes and infections.
  • This is completely safe for skin and odor-free.

Birla Century has also introduced 100% cotton, multi-layered face masks that are breathable, washable, and reusable with a high degree of water repellency and antimicrobial function. The team has further developed various other designs in masks that can be used as a protective gear with the essence of fashion.

Keeping Up With Sustainable Goals

Along with the innovation, we’ve also been complying with our sustainable goals as a company and continuing the concept of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We have worked on the following projects:

  • Herbal / Natural Dye Products
    These dyes are manufactured from Agro wastes for use in the home textile business as well as supplying to apparel brands customers. These products address sustainable development goals with low energy processes to reduce the pollution load on nature.
  • Fabric developed with Natural Antibacterial Finish
    Under the name Neem Tulsi Finish, this fabric is developed along with an Indian start-up named Joy of Life (which uses a patented technology developed by them). This would be one of the first products of its kind in India. Product launch is being initiated with Birla Century providing fabric to a renowned clothing brand for the upcoming season collection.
  • Recycled Cotton Product Range
    We are developing fabrics made from recycled cotton, recycled polyester, and recycled, regenerated cellulose fibre. These are certified according to the Global Recycled Standard (GRS) 4.0 and Recycled Claim Standard (RCS) 2.0 — accredited by the control union for its commitment towards sustainable products.
  • Organic Products
    Organic cotton, organic linen & organic hemp products are being developed with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Birla Century is a part of the world's leading processing standard for textiles made from organic fibers certified by the control union.

Collaborative Projects with Group Companies

We also came together with our group companies and launched the following projects:

  • Anti-Microbial Viscose Fabric
    Birla Cellulose has introduced Liva Antimicrobial Fiber with added protection for resisting up to 99% microbes. The active agent used in this fiber is strongly bonded with the substrate resulting in excellent durability to wash & wear. It is woven in plain and twill weaves in both yarn-dyed and solids.
    The fabric holds inherent antimicrobial and antiviral properties, making the apparels and home textiles completely safe — without compromising on comfort, efficiency, and fashion. It has a unique tracer in its fiber, which helps in source verification at all stages of the value chain from fiber to fashion.
  • Liva-Eco Viscose
    This first, breakthrough sustainable product range is synergistically developed in collaboration with Birla Cellulose and the Ne-60’s yarn spun at Birla Century. It is embedded with a unique tracer which would help in source verification.
  • Inherent Anti-Microbial Polyester
    With long-lasting hygiene protection and exceptionally high wash durability, Birla Century is in the process of developing anti-microbial polyester fabric for apparel and home textiles.

Wrapping Up…

Research & Development is a continuous process to meet the dynamic demands and patterns of the market to provide solutions and make way for the upcoming trends. We have streamlined our efforts to fight against COVID-19.

Protect your near ones with this gift of love and concern. Because we care for you.

TOP