New Delhi. 06 June 2020. “We have an array of technologies under NEO TECH and for defence & aviation would recommend a trio of anti-viral, anti-microbial and 4-way stretch to keep safe and comfortable. However, these are completely customizable and the other technologies available include moisture management, cool max finish, oil & water repellency and wrinkle resistance,” said Rajendra Agarwal, Managing Director at Donear Industries in an exclusive interview to Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU).
ADU. Please throw some light on the NEO TECH technology? How did you come up with this idea?
RA. Being a market leader in innovation and excellence, GRADO has been supplying specialty anti-microbial fabrics to multiple brands – both domestic and abroad. However, in the wake of COVID-19, GRADO has come up with NEO TECH® technology wherein the products are high quality, utilitarian and have a shield against bacteria and viruses alike. With the intention of creating one mega-brand which caters to a wide range of consumer psychographics, we had invested in bringing together WORSTEDS from the house of OCM and TR/BI-STRETCH fabrics from the house of GBTL (which were earlier marketed under respective brand names – OCM & GRASIM Suiting), under the umbrella brand “GRADO”.
ADU. How safe is it to protect against COVID-19?
RA. This fabric gives protection from virus in general. Currently, everyone is working towards a product which is 100% full-proof and Corona resistant but there is no such test available in the Indian market currently. We are confident that medical research will ascertain a fabric that can repel COVID-19 in the near future, we will be amongst the first few to adapt it onto fabrics as well. That is our guarantee.
ADU. What does the fabric do — what does it have that keeps you protected?
RA. It’s a special technique that infuses certain properties in the fabric which makes them inert to micro-organisms. As a result, the fabric becomes bacteria and virus repellent, hence reducing the consumer’s risk of infection and improving his overall health and hygiene. The fabric is revolutionary and has been certified by top-laboratories such as NABL accredited Bio Tech Services. Leveraging NEO TECH® techniques, GRADO has developed specially designed anti-viral and anti-bacterial fabrics that inhibit growth and retention of micro-organisms, making them safe and hygienic.
ADU. Can the technology be applied to any fabric or do you need a certain kind say cotton, silk?
RA. This technology can be rolled out onto any kind of fabric. Currently, we have a very diverse range of products from cotton shirting to polyvose and worsteds suitings. All umbrella name for these special ranges will be under NEO TECH.
ADU. How long has the R&D been for this kind of fabric?
RA. Being a market leader in innovation and excellence, GRADO has been supplying specialty anti-microbial fabrics to multiple brands – both domestic and abroad. Our goal was to prevent textiles from becoming a host surface for propagating harmful bacteria and microbes. However, in the wake of COVID-19, a cross-functional/ cross-discipline team formed with industry stalwarts, illustrious chemical suppliers and technological institutions. With a goal to develop fabrics that are high quality, utilitarian and have a shield against bacteria and viruses alike. The fabric is revolutionary and has been certified by top-laboratories such as NABL accredited Bio Tech Services. The trials were conducted ever since January this year.
ADU. What happens after 50 washes? Does one have to buy a new one?
RA. GRADO NEO TECH® fabrics have been certified safe to wear/ use for any kind of garment – suits/ jackets/ trousers. These fabrics retain their properties up to even 50 washes, and are suited for everyday wear. The effect of the technology will reduce post 50 washes. We would recommend buying a new fabric.
ADU. How will it help the defence and aviation universe?
RA. Trusted by their business partners, and known for their legacy – GBTL (formerly GRASIM Suiting and Gwalior Suitings) and OCM under the brand – GRADO has continued to garner a lot of admiration for this new and need-of-the-hour product. These fabrics have received wide acclaim from multiple industries – hospitality, hospitals, aviation, uniform providers (for schools/ universities/ factories), big-wigs from the retail industry and from the defense sectors. Multiple large-scale production orders from these industries are pouring in too. We have recently closed a large order with a Police Department with a major state of India. We have an array of technologies under NEO TECH and for defence & aviation would recommend a trio of anti-viral, anti-microbial and 4-way stretch to keep safe and comfortable. However, these are completely customizable and the other technologies available include moisture management, cool max finish, oil & water repellency and wrinkle resistance.
ADU. How expensive is it because everyone may need it once things open?
RA. We’re driven by doing good for humanity and to build consumer consciousness. As far as sales is concerned, we have our projections in place but we would be happier to know people are trusting the brand and buying the product than focusing on actual numbers. The range is meant for everyone starting at extremely reasonable value-for-money prices. For institutions, the price may vary based on bulk quantities and will be customized to their requirements.
