A company that makes a non-toxic anti-bacterial formula to stop pongs and germs in everything from uniforms and footwear to workwear, gym equipment and car seats has signed a deal with an international airline.
Leicestershire-based Micro-Fresh is providing its technology for pillows on first class and business class Emirates flights, effectively removing any bacteria, odour and dust mites.
Micro-Fresh was launched in 2006 by Byron Dixon who wanted to find a way of preventing the growth of mould on products in transit from the far corners of the world.
Since then it has been applied to a long list of products and is now sold by big name retailers.
The company has offices in nine countries including China, India, Vietnam and America and provides fabric technology to a range of sectors such as footwear, textiles, clothing, construction and now aviation.
Micro-Fresh chief commercial officer Jigna Varu said: “I’m delighted to say that Emirates will now be incorporating our latest fabric innovations into their pillows.
“It’s 100 per cent natural, hypo-allergenic and completely eco-friendly and will help ensure passengers arrive at their destination having had a relaxing, restful flight.
“When you want to get your head down during a flight, its so important to know that what you’re putting your head on is actually clean, fresh and hygienic.
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“As a regular long-haul traveller, I know how important that is.”
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Byron Dixon OBE is chief executive of the company which is located in Thurmaston, just outside Leicester.
He said: “We may be a relatively small business, but this global contract really thrusts us onto the International platform.
“We’re a forward-looking, fresh-thinking firm, and I’m really excited and proud that our latest innovation will make a significant difference to people’s lives, even when they’re 38,000 feet up.”
Mr Dixon began his career as a lab technician for Stahl – part of ICI in Loughborough – working on leather finishing products for tanneries, shoe factories and upholstery companies.
From there he became a technician, before being headhunted in 1997 by Danish shoe giant ECCO who wanted someone who knew about chemistry, leather and finishing.
After returning to the 海角视频 in the mid-2000s, he noticed how things such as shoes, sofas and other leather products being shipped in from warm climates such as India, Brazil and China often went mouldy in transit.
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After months of development he created an anti-fungal treatment which wasn’t an irritant.
Over the years he has worked with big high street stores including John Lewis, M&S and Next.