Fabric Treatments Bring Sweet Smells into the Bedroom
January 5, 2001
Rochdale, Lancashire (UK) —Textile printing firm Alexander Drew has developed a new range of fabric treatments claimed to help keep bathrooms and kitchens free of germs and bring the scent of romance to the bedroom.
The Rochdale-based company, one of the U.K.'s leading fabric printers, has introduced germ and fungal resistant treatments principally aimed at the markets for printed roller blinds used in kitchens and bathroom shower curtains.
The GRF (germ-resistant fabric) and FRF (fungal-resistant fabric) processes are said to inhibit the build-up of bacteria and fungi on fabrics by preventing microbes from absorbing nutrients from their surroundings.
The company said that many fabrics can not be effectively cleaned in the severe conditions required to remove bacteria and fungal spores. The danger of transference of pathogens by a range of textiles is of critical importance in hospitals and nursing homes. "The treatment effectively reduces the risk," said Alexander Drew.
The company has also adapted the technique to create fabric that resists stains and odors generated by tobacco smoke and another that acts as an insect repellent for garden furniture. TRF (tobacco-resistant fabric) will be ideal for contract applications in pubs, bars and hotels.
Alexander Drew has applied for patents for all four of its new treatments and has developed trademarks and brands to help promote them to consumers.
Managing director Malcolm Campbell said the new treatments are demonstrative of the company's commitment to research and development.
"Our germ- and fungal-resistant fabric treatments have real health and hygiene benefits for the home and other locations, such as hospitals, surgeries, nursing homes and hotels," he said.
"The new AromaPrint treatment offers endless opportunities to develop fabrics that stimulate the sense of smell in specific circumstances, whether it is to create the mood for intimacy and romance in the bedroom or the scent of a freshly cut lawn in a summer room."
"These treatments are already generating intense interest from our customers and, as the scents are stimulated by friction, the aphrodisiacs are proving especially popular."
Alexander Drew, part of the Lamont group and one of the largest commission printers in the U.K., is offering these new processes as part of a corporate strategy to win back business that has been lost to overseas competition.
"Business is better than it was in 1999 and we are very optimistic," Campbell said. "Our order book is 30% up on the same time last year, and we have been working overtime to fulfill orders."
Most of Alexander Drew's production is for home textiles, such as bedding, curtains, shower curtains and garden furnishings. The U.K. is the main market, with around 8% of output going to Germany and Belgium, where products are used in the upholstery and soft furnishings industry.
The Rochdale-based company, one of the U.K.'s leading fabric printers, has introduced germ and fungal resistant treatments principally aimed at the markets for printed roller blinds used in kitchens and bathroom shower curtains.
The GRF (germ-resistant fabric) and FRF (fungal-resistant fabric) processes are said to inhibit the build-up of bacteria and fungi on fabrics by preventing microbes from absorbing nutrients from their surroundings.
The company said that many fabrics can not be effectively cleaned in the severe conditions required to remove bacteria and fungal spores. The danger of transference of pathogens by a range of textiles is of critical importance in hospitals and nursing homes. "The treatment effectively reduces the risk," said Alexander Drew.
The company has also adapted the technique to create fabric that resists stains and odors generated by tobacco smoke and another that acts as an insect repellent for garden furniture. TRF (tobacco-resistant fabric) will be ideal for contract applications in pubs, bars and hotels.
Alexander Drew has applied for patents for all four of its new treatments and has developed trademarks and brands to help promote them to consumers.
Managing director Malcolm Campbell said the new treatments are demonstrative of the company's commitment to research and development.
"Our germ- and fungal-resistant fabric treatments have real health and hygiene benefits for the home and other locations, such as hospitals, surgeries, nursing homes and hotels," he said.
"The new AromaPrint treatment offers endless opportunities to develop fabrics that stimulate the sense of smell in specific circumstances, whether it is to create the mood for intimacy and romance in the bedroom or the scent of a freshly cut lawn in a summer room."
"These treatments are already generating intense interest from our customers and, as the scents are stimulated by friction, the aphrodisiacs are proving especially popular."
Alexander Drew, part of the Lamont group and one of the largest commission printers in the U.K., is offering these new processes as part of a corporate strategy to win back business that has been lost to overseas competition.
"Business is better than it was in 1999 and we are very optimistic," Campbell said. "Our order book is 30% up on the same time last year, and we have been working overtime to fulfill orders."
Most of Alexander Drew's production is for home textiles, such as bedding, curtains, shower curtains and garden furnishings. The U.K. is the main market, with around 8% of output going to Germany and Belgium, where products are used in the upholstery and soft furnishings industry.
