EnviroTextiles is introducing antibacterial hemp fabrics into the children’s plush toy market thanks to a new partnership with a humanitarian teddy bear company, Bears for Humanity. The plush bears are intended for children in need, including many children living in isolated hospital environments.

EnviroTextiles founder Barbara Filippone has provided certified agricultural fibers for the apparel industry over the past 23 years. Now that she’s working with Bears for Humanity and its President Vijay Prathap, she’s launching a new healthcare market for her certified organic hemp textiles to supply various products including lab coats, privacy curtains, sheets, towels and patient gowns.

Early testing indicates that the anti-static materials developed for Bears for Humanity’s teddy bears are safe for sensitive hospital environments like CT scan rooms and prevent the spread of bacteria and other known bio hazards. Allowing children to carry their teddy bears with them into testing will provide better experiences...