MICROBAN AND MANCHESTER MILLS EXPAND EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP TO CREATE ANTIMICROBIAL-TREATED TEXTILES FOR THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY
New Protect360® Products Provide Peace of Mind with Built-In Protection
HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (January 11, 2020) — Microban® International, the global leader in antimicrobial technologies, and Manchester Mills, one of the world’s leading textile manufacturers committed to innovation with a customer-first approach, today announced they have expanded their exclusive partnership to provide antimicrobial-treated textiles to the hospitality industry. The Protect 360® collection of products will be sold directly to customers, as well as through Manchester Mills and its distributor network in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and European Union. This builds on a December 2020 announcement to sell these products to the healthcare industry.
“Our partnership with Microban combines our textile engineering expertise and industry insights with the leading antimicrobial technology to provide products that meet consumers increased expectations for cleanliness and safety,” said Elizabeth McNulty, senior vice president and general manager at Manchester Mills. “Manchester Mills is focused on finding innovative solutions to instill guest confidence and support our hotelier customers businesses during these challenging times.”
Key offerings of the Protect360º product line include mattress encasements and pillow protectors that are treated with Microban antimicrobial product protection and inhibit the growth of product damaging bacteria. Protect360° products are also waterproof, and feature patent pending bed bug protection. Additionally, the fabric has passed third party testing for Viral Penetration Protection, providing a barrier against viruses.
A recent study* revealed that 68 percent of respondents said cleanliness in hotels has become extremely important to them over the last 6 to 8 months, and 58 percent of respondents said they would be willing to pay more for a hotel room with products treated with antimicrobial protection. Additionally, the majority surveyed shared that the products they feel are the dirtiest in a hotel room are the comforter, followed by the mattress and pillow encasements.
The exclusive partnership between Manchester Mills and Microban includes the development of the following textiles with built-in antimicrobial technology for the hospitality industry: mattress and pillow encasements, mattress and pillow protectors, towels, sheets, utility bedding, bath mats, comforters, pillow shells, blankets, spreads, mattress pads and pillows.
“Not surprisingly, we have learned that the majority of consumers staying in a hotel room expect high levels of cleanliness — a concern that has greatly increased over the course of the past several months,” said Brian Aylward, senior director of global textiles for Microban. “Through this new partnership with Manchester Mills, we have the opportunity to educate consumers and hoteliers about the benefits of antimicrobials in hotel textiles to provide greater peace of mind.”
Microban’s portfolio of technologies continues to work to revolutionize product performance with protection that lives on. Its portfolio of solutions includes AEGIS®, SilverShield® and ZPTech® for antimicrobial product protection, and Scentry® and Scentry Revive® for odor control. As part of its commitment to sustainable manufacturing processes, Microban products are bluesign® and Oeko-Tex® approved.
About Microban®
Part of Barr Brands International (BBI), Microban® International is a global specialist in antimicrobial technologies and odor control solutions. Our proactive systems keep products cleaner, and control odors better by preventing problems before they start. Microban drives innovation by combining science and creative solutions that enhance high-quality consumer, textile, industrial and medical products around the world. Today the Microban brand and technologies are featured on thousands of products worldwide. The company is headquartered in North Carolina with operations in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. For more information, please visit www.Microban.com.
About Manchester Mills®
Manchester Mills is one of the world’s top textile manufacturers with a powerful blend of manufacturing flexibility and expertise focused on uncompromising quality and a relentless passion for innovation. As a next-generation textile partner, we focus on engineering smarter textile solutions through a global team of creators, innovators and partners that put client needs at the forefront – from sourcing top-quality raw materials to leading-edge R&D and vigorous quality control. As part of Guest Worldwide, a Sysco company, Manchester Mills has been a leading provider of textile products for more than 40 years with operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
*The survey was run in partnership with AYTM/December 2020.
Manchester Mills, a leading global textile manufacturer is excited to welcome Jacqui Hurst in the newly created position of Head of Business Development, EMEA region. She is responsible for managing new business development, product expansion and distribution in the region. Jacqui has over 20 years of textiles experience and brings us new knowledge of the hospitality textile industry in the EMEA region. Before joining Manchester Mills, Jacqui was Key Account Director at Vision Support Services, where she led the hospitality division.