Delhi-based company NanoChemiqs has accelerated the sale of its innovative anti-viral jumpsuit made under the technology ViroWipe JS01. This is non-metal and nonsilver based nanoparticle technology. The jumpsuit works as an outer cover over a person’s normal dress for all outdoor purposes.

In this interview with Business Views Editor G. Kalyan Kumar on Zoom, company CEO Sasha Bose talks about the properties of the anti-virus jumpsuit, market appeal, upcoming products including a hybrid mask and home quarantine kit plus the highlights of the technology, and other strategies.

The CEO asserts that the jumpsuit will reduce the chance of catching the Coronavirus, 99.97 percent to keep people safe when exposed to outer environments.

Excerpts...

People continue to become the victims of the COVID 19 virus transmission. So, how far the properties of your jumpsuit could save people from the virus contact when they go to workplaces, schools, markets, and avoid the risk?

The jumpsuit is treated with nanoparticles under the Nanochemiqs ViroWipe JS01 technology in such a way that the surface fiber traps and kills any virus that comes into contact. As soon as the virus comes into contact with the fiber it gets trapped and the cell of the virus is destroyed ensuring its complete elimination and spread.

Is there any specific name for your technology and how far it is indigenous?

ViroWipe is a completely indigenous technology. But we do have technical advisors in India and abroad who played a big role in supporting the development of our unique solution.

What is the distribution set up of the jumpsuit? Are you looking for online or traditional distribution channels?

We have activated online distribution channels already to serve retail customers. However, we are for strengthening the traditional distribution channels as well because a safeguard like ViroWipe FM01 needs mass selling to reach the entire population and protect them.

What is your main target audience? Is it corporates, industrial and office workers or students?

At the end of the day, we would want everyone to wear our jumpsuits. Right now we are targeting corporates, schools, and many organizations on a priority basis.

What are the maintenance methods and processes in terms of cleaning and washing of masks and jumpsuits?

Both the jumpsuits and masks are easy to use no excess care is required in maintaining them. Unlike most masks, our masks can go for a minimum of 90 washes. It can be handled like any other cloth-based product. Also, we have certification proving our products are safe in terms of anti-allergic properties.

Suppose a school wishes to buy jumpsuits and masks from you, would you be able to entertain such bulk orders? Do the jumpsuits come in a single size or they vary for males and females?

The jumpsuit is a unisex product. However, we do have different sizes i.e. small, medium, large, extra-large, and XXL.

So, yes we are available for bulk orders our production facility can produce anywhere between 30,000 to 50,000 jumpsuits in a month. We are also in the process of doubling the capacity. Given the strong response, we hope to scale up production in the coming months.

Is there any regulator who will endorse your product to certify its market worthiness as a COVID resistant protective gear?

Our solution, EPA/BPR is a registered technology. Further, it is Class 1 OEKO-Tex certified process meaning it is safer for use with babies as well. The product has attained all the relevant certifications and its use is strictly for non-medical purposes only.

Are you also targeting foreign markets or are you just tapping the domestic Indian market right now?

Our sales channels are open in the Middle East, Canada and we are coming up in Indonesia as well. I would say we are very much open to marketing and selling our products abroad.

You are also expanding into masks, so can you tell me more about it?

We are using the same jumpsuits technology for masks. The hybrid masks will have a PFE (particulate filtration efficiency) level of 95 percent at par or more compared to the N95 masks.

The technology helps in capturing and killing the virus. These masks are not only anti-viral but anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-odour also. It also has anti-leaching properties. As a result, even if the virus latches on to it passing onto another surface will be impossible.

What about the pricing? Is it a premium product?

There are tons of masks available in the market differently priced. Our price is competitive yet modest. For bulk orders, a suitable price reduction will be there.

To make sure that the products function exactly how we envisaged them to be, in terms of anti-leaching technology, etc our investment has been high. But by dropping the price we have ensured that it is easily available for the masses. The mask right now costs INR 600.

Apart from these products, are you looking to launch anything more for the health industry?

You know with the whole quarantine process in place, and we have conceptualized a home quarantine kit. This will address the concerns of households where COVID patients are in-home quarantine. The situation poses many challenges to non-infected family members whose protection needs to be enhanced in terms of pillow covers, bed covers, etc. To cater to that market our Home quarantine kit will be out very soon.