Corporate & Social

Development

Silver: A Versatile Naturally Occurring Element

  • At the heart of Noble’s technologies is silver, a naturally occurring element. We are committed to the use of silver and silver ions because the functional qualities of silver support superior performances and sustainability.
  • Pure silver has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals, has the lowest contact resistance and is naturally antimicrobial.
  • At the molecular level, the presence of a catalyst, such as moisture or heat, silver becomes available as silver ions (Ag+), which, at very low concentrations, can act as a powerful antimicrobial agent.
  • When integrated into fibers and fabrics through Noble’s proprietary manufacturing processes, silver can be highly effective, skin-safe and a permanent solution.
  • In advanced wound care applications, silver can help prepare the wound for closure by managing the microbial contamination at the wound site
  • In healthcare soft surfaces, it can help promote a safer environment by permanently inhibiting the growth of bacteria and fungi and minimising bacterial cross-contamination
  • Because of silver’s high conductivity, it is ideal for use in rapidly growing wearable technology industry, signalling transmission from the body through a garment to biometric monitoring devices
  • It provides EMI shielding in applications where data transmission networks, electronics, and soldiers require protection from interference or interception.
  • It is safe and cost-effective solution using a naturally occurring element – the technology can be used as both a sensor and a conductive pathway

Sustainability

Noble strives to be the best in regulation and certification to ensure compliance to the highest standards.

Quality

Noble is committed to delivering quality products and to the principals of the ISO 9001: 2015 Certified Quality Management systems since 2003.

Silver Sourcing & Recycling

  • Noble understands the importance of silver recovery and recycling for sustainable resource utilisation
  • Noble has implemented several internal recovery initiatives and works with all partners to implement silver recovery projects

Manufacturing

Process

Noble Biomaterials meets and strives to exceed regulatory requirements in manufacturing and in the implementation of product technologies with mills on the supply side and manufacturing partners.

Sustainable Benefits of the Noble Technology

  • Garments using Noble’s technology can be laundered less frequently, reducing energy and water usage which results in longer product life
  • X-Static and Ionic+ technologies are inherent meaning their functionality is permanently bound to the yarn and fabrics, ensuring the value will hold for the life of garments so fewer garments have to be purchased
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  • Anti-odour technology allows for greater flexibility in the use meaning fewer items required and less items are transported
  • Noble’s technologies are based on the power of silver – basic elemental silver – not synthetic chemicals or nanotechnology.
  • Silverguard products can be made with recycled polymers if desired
  • As a precious metal with demonstrated lasting market value, we have added incentive to reuse or recycle off-spec, obsolete or waste products

Noble Biomaterials – code of conduct for production partners

Noble and the partners comply with all brand partner Codes of Conduct. In addition, Noble and its partners believe in the importance of ensuring decent working environments throughout the manufacturing process of all products with particular reference and attention paid to the following areas of concern. This would equally apply to subcontractors

  • Child Labour
  • Forced Labour
  • Coercion and Harassment
  • Discrimination
  • Health & Safety
  • Freedom of Association
  • Wages and Benefits
  • Working Hours

Certifications

  • BLUESIGN: Noble has been a blue sign system partner since 2013 meeting stringent requirements for production management practices
  • Global Recycle Standard Certification: Partners requiring the chip technology can request on placing orders for fabric
  • Oeko-Tex Certification: is built around manufacturing site audits and independent testing -. Noble produces filament and fabric that meet Oeko-Tex Standard 100 accreditation
  • Conflict Minerals: Noble has assessed its manufacturing process and raw materials and does not use conflict minerals or their covered derivatives
  • EPA-Registered Anti-odour / Antimicrobial Products: The active ingredients utilised in the X-Static and Iconic+ technologies are registered with the EPA under FIFRA
  • Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR): Products manufactured using X-Static and Iconic+ technology currently meet the requirements for continued manufacture, supply and distribution within EU according to BPR requirements.
  • Restriction of Hazardous Substances Directive (RoHS): Noble’s products are manufactured in conformity with the EU requirements according to EU directives (2002/95/EC, 2011/65/EU and 2015/863/EU).

Health & Safety

Noble’s products are designed to make people’s lives better. To that end, Noble is deeply committed to making sure that its products and processes comply with stringent global health and safety regulations.

  • USA Food & Drug Administration: Noble currently holds multiple 510(k) FDA approvals for advanced wound/burn care dressings. While this experience and expertise is important to our medical device partners, these same product principals form the foundation for all X-Static and Circuitex Technology metalised yarn, fiber and fiber products.
  • European Community Medical Device Regulations: A number of Noble’s EU medical Noble partners rely on the X-Static technology components for the manufacture of medical devices in conformity with the Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices.

Code of Conduct

Noble and all partners are committed to corporate Code of Conduct.

Transparency & Integrity

All business activity is carried out in an ethical and transparent manner. Unethical behaviour, including bribery and concealment, corruption or falsification of records and or influencing workers to mislead Silverguard, partners and designated agents will not be tolerated.