The hidden features of window shadings

When it comes to extolling the virtues of window blinds, we should always remember that the average consumer isn’t initially considering much more than how that blind looks and feels. Introducing them to some of the hidden features in the products they are already taking an interest in is perhaps the best way to show them just how much more value they’re getting than they first realised.

Some of the most interesting features could be for instance: thermal insulation, fire retardancy, acoustic absorption or child safety. For me, however, the most compelling one is the microbial resistance of certain fabrics and operating chains. Intrigued by it, I’ve decided to explore the subject and share my findings with you, so here we go.

Antimicrobial according to AATCC 30 is the production of materials with the use of silver ions. Silver is a well-documented antimicrobial, that has been shown to kill bacteria, fungi and certain viruses. It is the positively charged silver ions (Ag+) that possess the antimicrobial effect. The two components used to restore positive charge in silver atom nuclei are 2-Octyl-2H-isothiazol-3-on (OIT) and zinc-pyrithione, so-called biocides. I know, it sounds way too scientific. Simply put, materials treated with a biocide are protected from undesirable bacterial and fungal infection. The active agent biocide explicitly protects the material and inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, in other words, it has bacteriostatic and fungistatic effects. The finished blinds are not a biocidal product that requires authorisation; the active agent used has been officially approved. The Biocides Regulation must be taken into consideration when the product is placed on the market.

Now, talking bacteria and fungi the first thing that comes to mind is our health and rightly so. Reducing their growth will most definitely make our homes a safer place but there’s more to it. Antimicrobial protective coating helps to prevent the growth of stains in fabric (which translates to much longer-lasting and easier to clean product), odour-causing bacteria, mould and mildew.

We currently offer M2M blinds that accommodate antimicrobial fabrics and operating chains which are also available as wholesale products. Here’s a list of all of them below.

The Capital Collection Antimicrobial Fabrics :