Our Story
An Accidental Discovery
PCA Wonder Fibre
In 2013, Genelle Coghlan, Managing Director of specialist textile manufacturer Colan Australia, re-discovered the fibre and saw potential in its non-flammable properties. The first product developed was a Personal Protection Bushfire Blanket which is now used by the majority of Australia’s Fire and Emergency Service Agencies.
The next product was non-flammable socks and while trialling a pair to develop a range for the fire brigade, Genelle noticed that, even after weeks of wear without washing, the socks did not smell and that a fungal infection cleared-up on her foot. Her feet felt and looked better. When she stopped wearing the socks, the fungal infection returned.
Genelle was so surprised, she decided to get the socks tested at an independent laboratory in Sydney, Thor Specialist Testing. The results were amazing and proved the fibre had unique, inherent properties of being antifungal, antimicrobial and non-flammable.
Further testing also proved that the fibre is environmentally safe with certification to the European Oeko-Tex standard 100.
From this discovery, the Akeso Sock range was born. We have used the Akeso name, after Akeso the Greek Goddess of curing sickness and healing wounds. As well as being comfortable, Akeso Socks are the world’s first socks to combine comfort with the inherent antimicrobial, antifungal and non-flammable properties for exceptional performance.
Laboratory Testing
Anti-fungal
Laboratory tests indicate that Metis PCA™ fibre is resistant to fungal growth for 28 days.
The process:
The Metis PCA™ fabric – alongside other control groups such as black cotton and filter paper – was exposed to a fungal spore suspension and incubated at 30 degrees Celsius for 28 days.
The outcome:
After 28 days, the Metis PCA™ fabric showed no fungal growth, unlike the control groups that showed heavy growth of over 60%.
Laboratory Testing
Anti-bacterial
Laboratory tests demonstrate that Metis PCA™ fibre is antibacterial, in accordance with AATCC Test method 100-2012. Samples are inoculated with bacteria and incubated for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, the number of surviving organisms is counted. Reduction rates of 99% are considered antibacterial.
| Sample | Staphylococcus Aureus ATCC 6538 R Value |
|---|---|
| PCABSW 1818 General sock | 99.95% reduction rate |
|
PCABSB3618 Ski sock. |
99.30% reduction rate |
