As we move into Autumn, event organisers and hospitality managers are continuing to think of new ways to make customers and staff as safe as possible during this uncertain time. With a number of years in the hotel industry, Colin Graham – like many – faced a trying time from March onwards as business ground to a halt. However, in the search for a solution for his hotel, Graham’s research brought him to HeiQ, and its Viroblock NPJ03 technology – a tested and proven COVID-19 barrier which, when applied to face coverings, significantly counteracts the airborne transmission of the virus.
As we move into Autumn, event organisers and hospitality managers are continuing to think of new ways to make customers and staff as safe as possible during this uncertain time. With a number of years in the hotel industry, Colin Graham – like many – faced a trying time from March onwards as business ground to a halt. However, in the search for a solution for his hotel, Graham’s research brought him to HeiQ, and its Viroblock NPJ03 technology – a tested and proven COVID-19 barrier which, when applied to face coverings, significantly counteracts the airborne transmission of the virus.
“HeiQ’s technology was developed over five years ago during the SARS outbreak, but there hasn’t been a huge amount of interest until this year,” stated Graham. HeiQ Viroblock-treated materials destroy viruses on contact, significantly reducing the chance for re-transmission through touch, also increasing the effectiveness of face coverings by a factor of 20. Intrigued by the company’s offering, Graham found his way to the CEO in Switzerland and from there, AnyBrand was formed.
Currently, one of the company’s main offerings is treated face masks that come in an array of designs and are manufactured in Italy. “On top of the masks, we wanted to look at how we could use the technology to treat surfaces that people might come into contact with,” stated Graham.
“The result is a surface technology that can give any surface three months of residual disinfecting properties,” he explained, adding that they are working with major industrial manufacturers to incorporate the technology in production lines, giving lifelong protection with early testing already underway.
Although many of the ideas created by AnyBrand had originally been formed with hotels in mind, Graham explained that he and the team quickly realised the potential reach of the technology.
“Early in my career, I worked in the events sector – specifically in motor sports – and I have a lot of experience with various different styles of events,” stated Graham, going on to explain how he saw the potential for these products to be used in event spaces. “For a number of weeks, we have been speaking directly to the DCMS to explain what this solution could do for the events sector,” he added.
Although they are intended to have a major impact, Graham was quick to state that AnyBrand’s offerings are not the whole solution to provide a COVID-19 safe event. “We’ve had a number of conversations with John Davie, who’s product, Test Box, offers a testing solution for events,” he revealed. “Collaborating with this or a similar kit on entry, gives another major impact on the space being COVID-19 safe, combined with our Viroblock treated masks, and surfaces – barriers, bathrooms, seats etc – also protected with Viroblock technology, you are substantially decreasing the risks.”
As the name of the company suggests, the masks also provide a promotional opportunity, with all masks being customisable. “For a gig, we would customise the masks for the band or show sponsor, which will then be 100s or 1,000s of travelling billboards for weeks after the show,” stated Graham. “Our masks are reusable and can be washed 30 times with the HeiQ Viroblock technology still destroying the virus.” He added that the masks are made from recycled material, and are recyclable, offering a far more environmentally friendly solution than disposable face masks.
AnyBrand is set to do some live event and show testing, although pushed back by organisers due to new guidance until early next year. However, the company is already working with a number of companies to roll out the solution to universities and student accommodation in the coming weeks. “Along with these field tests, we are continuing to collaborate with companies providing complimentary solutions to create a united front and a full holistic solution to create safe events.”
This article originally appeared in issue #254 of TPi, which you can read here.
Photos: AnyBrand