Deepthi Nathala - the innovator behind Hecoll fabric

Is it possible that a single cloth can block 99% UV rays, inhibit viruses and bacteria and can filter 99% particulate matter contained in pollution? Yes ,it is possible and that also in a single innovation ! The innovation has been done by Deepti Nathala, an alumni of IIT Madras and an entrepreneur of Hyderabad based startup called Hecoll means "healthy Cover for All. " 

The birth of Hecoll

When this former IITian returned to her hometown in Hyderabad  in 2018, after working for a decade in about 23 countries she noticed that her body was unable to adjust with the environment of India. She was often suffering from mild headaches and skin irritations while driving in the city. With a little research, she was able to discover that the scarves and dupattas used by women during travelling were incapable of fighting with the pollution and she realized an urgent need for a fabric which can protect people from excess dust ,pollution and germs. She started working on such fabric.

Applying Nanotechnology 

Deepthi started testing fabrics available in the market. She also found during these tests that N 95 masks, sunscreen and hand sanitizers were generating a lot of plastic waste in the environment including biomedical Waste. After extensive research of many months, she was able to come up with a fabric called Hecoll. She took eco friendly cotton at its base with a blend of 'bodyguard molecules' in the cavities between cotton molecules so that it can filter particulate matter and kill viruses and bacteria coming in contact from the environment.

The experienced nanotechnologist filled the cavities in the fabric by 'bodyguard molecules' which can have three forms

1. Non polar molecules having germ killing abilities and UV Ray absorption capacity extracted from plant based products like neem and turmeric. 

2. Molecules pulled out from metal components like nano Copper and nano silver. 

3. Even certain chemical compositions clubbed with nanotechnology can be used for filling the cavities. 

Start of Production

After failing in her research for 80 times, she finally come up with the launching of Dibbu Solutions in 2019. She was ultimately able to design a fabric capable of fighting H1N1 virus, E coli bacteria and filtering Sulphur dioxide and Nitrogen dioxide gases. It can also block 95% air pollutants and 99% UV rays. 

She first sold out her product in the local market however the Biotechnology department of Central Government told her to make masks of this fabric during pandemic. Gradually she got orders from Indian Railways, United Nations ,Tourism and mining department of government. DRDO has instructed Deepthi to fabricate clothes for those soldiers who are posted at high altitudes like Kargil and are prone to skin diseases due to UV rays.

Certifications

She has got certifications from agencies like Bombay Textile Research Association (BRTA),National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL),Nelson labs and Bureau Veritas and South India textile Research Association(SITRA). " Our products can last up to 6000 washes. The other products available so far in the world can survive up to 60 to 100 washes only. "she says.

The company profile

Deepthi, at present is fabricating anti-virus face masks, baby wraps for newborn babies, bed sheets, fanny bags, hats, caps and items for preventing hospital infections like doctor coats, surgical gowns etc. Her products are available on Amazon and Flipkart also. She also showcased her work in various state government expos and tried pitching in Dubai Expo also. 

Deepthi is dedicated to employ housewives, transgenders and home maids in her company. This decision came out due to discrimination seen for them while working in various companies in her career. At present she own a staff of about 140 employees across 3 states. She is  presently incubated by Telangana government but also looking for venture capitalists for funding. 

Challenges in life

Deepthi has been facing challenges in her life right from childhood when she lost her mother at the tender age of 8 years. Apart from this, when she launched her enterprise, a lot of criticism was faced   from her relatives and society in the form of unsolicited comments as she being a lady, was trying to set up her business. She got no financial help from anybody. She also patented her product at her own expense.

Whatever may be the challenges, innovator like Deepthi is a remarkable example for all those striving in life with no or little hope.