Yarn maker Yihua Unifi, has partnered with circular knitter Fountain Set to develop a range of antimicrobial fabrics for the intimate, activewear, casual and swimwear markets.

The fabrics all contain A.M.Y. yarn from Yihua Unifi, which provides permanent antimicrobial and odour control. The first batch of fabric samples will be showcased at the Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics show to be held later this week (Oct. 26-29).

The bacteriostatic and odour controlling properties of A.M.Y. are permanently embedded into the yarn polymer, and protect against microbes that can cause foul odours, discolouration, mildew formation and apparel degradation for the life of the garment.

The launch of these antimicrobial fabrics strengthens Fountain Set's position as an innovative fabric manufacturer, and will help launch Yihua Unifi's performance yarns to the Chinese market.

"We combined the expertise of our development teams to start creating a broad range of innovative fabrics with permanent performance engineered into each one," said Dr. Gordon Yen, executive director for Fountain Set.

He continued: "The permanent bacteriostatic and odour control properties offered by A.M.Y. will be important factors to the end use markets we have targeted with these fabrics."

Yihua Unifi is a joint venture between Unifi, Inc., USA, and Sinopec Yizheng Chemical Fibre Company, China.