Copper’s Ancient Legacy, Today’s Innovation
Copper’s antimicrobial powers are not new—they’ve been recognized since antiquity. From ancient civilizations using copper vessels for water purification to modern public health applications, copper has long been trusted to kill microbes. Scientific studies show that copper—and its alloys—can destroy pathogens such as influenza A and adenovirus by over 99.999% within six hours and are registered by the U.S. EPA as antimicrobial materials with public health benefits.
Vollebak’s Full Metal Jacket: Couture Meets Protection
Vollebak’s Full Metal Jacket is a revolutionary garment knitted with over 11 km of copper thread. It combines avant-garde design with hard science, delivering a coat that’s both breathable and insulating, while also carrying potent virus-killing properties—earning it a spot in TIME’s Best Inventions.
Copper as Shield—Electromagnetically and Biologically
Beyond antiviral action, copper textiles also function as robust electromagnetic and RFID shields. Studies show that copper-core knitted fabrics can achieve 30–63 dB shielding across frequencies from 20 MHz to 18 GHz, depending on fabric density and structure. Similarly, nickel-copper rip‑stop materials offer over 75 dB attenuation between 10 MHz and 6 GHz, making them practical textiles for protecting devices or ensuring privacy.
Brand Comparison at a Glance
| Brand & Use Case | Copper Application | Claimed Benefit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vollebak – Full Metal Jacket | >11 km copper strands | Couture-level viral protection | High design impact, premium positioning |
| VForce Collection | ~5% copper-infused TPU | 99.9% virus kill within 30 minutes | Lightweight, recyclable streetwear |
| Copper Clothing (UK) | Apparel & bedding | Claims of COVID-19 reduction | Marketed for everyday comfort |
| EMF Shielding Fabrics (e.g. Cyber CX-100) | 100% copper-plated textile | High-grade signal blocking + antimicrobial | Flexible Faraday fabric suitable for technical uses |
Why Copper Excels—and What to Keep in Mind
Copper stands out due to its dual-functionality—powerful antimicrobial activity and excellent electrical conductivity. It’s that same conductivity that makes copper an effective media for signal shielding. However, that leads to a practical caveat: because copper conducts electricity so well, wearing copper-infused garments during a lightning storm—though rare—could pose a theoretical risk. It’s wise to remove them in such scenarios.
Call to Innovators
If you’re looking to develop new antimicrobial or EM-shielding fabrics or products, we’d love to help. Contact us to start a conversation on how we can bring copper’s protective qualities into your next-generation design.