Sustainable Textiles That Protect Against Biting Bugs: The BETITEX Project
With the rise of chemical resistance in insects and climate change driving an increase in tick and bedbug populations, innovative solutions for pest control are more urgent than ever. The BETITEX project, funded by the EU’s FP7-SME program and coordinated by Gremi Tèxtil de Terrassa in Spain, has developed advanced textile technologies aimed at repelling or killing ticks and bedbugs.
Why the Focus on Ticks and Bedbugs?
- Ticks: These pests are vectors of serious diseases in humans and animals, and their prevalence is growing due to climate change.
- Bedbugs: Often associated with increased travel and reduced pesticide effectiveness, bedbug infestations are also on the rise.
Although these pests inhabit different environments, their similar behaviors make them suitable targets for the same biocidal solutions.
Project Goals and Innovations
BETITEX aims to create sustainable, durable, and effective textile-based solutions for protection against these pests. The project prioritizes:
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Textiles made from natural, biodegradable, or recyclable materials.
- Safer Biocides: Use of authorised, less toxic biocides that comply with EU Regulation No 528/2012.
- Advanced Application Techniques: Developing technologies such as micro- and nano-encapsulation and sol-gel processes to embed biocides in textiles for controlled release.
Key Achievements
- Enhanced Durability: Treated fabrics maintained their effectiveness even after 50 washes.
- High Mortality Rates: In prototypes, a 100% mortality rate for ticks and bedbugs was achieved within 24 hours.
- Synergistic Effects: The project combined specific biocides with unique embedding and application methods to maximize effectiveness.
- Industrial Scaling: BETITEX successfully transitioned from laboratory testing to industrial-scale production.
Impact and Applications
- Reduced Biocide Exposure: Minimizes the need for repellent sprays, limiting human exposure to potentially toxic chemicals.
- Protective Clothing: Offers new options for those exposed to tick-infested environments.
- Household Textiles: Ensures better protection from bedbugs in fabrics like mattress covers and bedding.
More Information
- Project Website: www.betitex.eu
- Project Video: Watch on Vimeo
By integrating cutting-edge technology with eco-friendly practices, BETITEX is setting a new standard in pest-resistant textiles, offering safer and more sustainable solutions to protect people and the environment.
