Technology
Sportswear that stays fresh — the science behind it
APRÍ uses two plant-based technologies that eliminate odour without silver, zinc, or synthetic biocides. Engineered in Europe. Built to last.
The problem with conventional anti-odour
For years, the sportswear industry has relied on silver ions, zinc, and synthetic biocides to fight odour. These heavy-metal treatments work — for a while. Then they wash out, releasing metals into waterways and leaving garments back where they started: smelly after a few uses.
Silver-based finishes are now being phased out across the EU under REACH regulation and the Biocidal Products Regulation (BPR), driven by environmental and aquatic-toxicity concerns. The industry is being forced to evolve.
There is a better way. APRÍ builds every garment on one of two proprietary, plant-based anti-odour systems — no silver, no zinc, no PFAS, no heavy metals.
Read: Silver, zinc, and PFAS in sportswear — what you should know before you buy →
APRÍtech™ — powered by HeiQ Mint
What it is: APRÍtech™ is APRÍ's plant-based anti-odour finish built on HeiQ Mint — a treatment derived from peppermint oil that neutralises odour-causing bacteria on the fabric before smell develops.
- >94% effectiveness after 20 washes — long-lasting odour control that doesn't wash out like silver-based alternatives.
- Plant-based — derived from mint, not heavy metals.
- Free from heavy metals — no silver, no zinc, no synthetic biocides.
- Bluesign approved and OEKO-TEX compatible.
APRÍshield™ — powered by NordShield
What it is: APRÍshield™ is APRÍ's biodegradable anti-odour finish built on NordShield — a Finnish innovation that harnesses wood extractives from sustainably managed Nordic forests (a byproduct of Finnish forestry, not a new raw material).
- Fully biodegradable — returns safely to nature at end-of-life.
- Wood-extractive based — sourced from Nordic forest byproducts.
- Free from heavy metals and biocides — no silver, no zinc, no synthetic antimicrobials.
- OEKO-TEX compatible.
Our certifications
We believe sustainability claims should be independently verified. Every piece of APRÍ sportswear is made in GOTS-certified factories in Portugal and carries the certifications that matter.
- OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 — tests the finished garment for more than 1,000 harmful substances. If it carries the label, it's safe against your skin.
- GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) — the strictest standard for organic fibres, covering the full supply chain including social and environmental criteria.
- Bluesign® — verifies responsible chemistry, resource efficiency, and worker safety at the mill level. APRÍtech™ (HeiQ Mint) is Bluesign approved.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between APRÍtech™ and APRÍshield™?
Both are plant-based anti-odour systems, but they use different source materials. APRÍtech™ is built on HeiQ Mint (derived from mint) and is engineered for long-lasting odour control through active garments such as leggings, sports bras, and tees. APRÍshield™ is built on NordShield (derived from Nordic wood extractives) and is fully biodegradable. Both are free from silver, zinc, and synthetic biocides.
How long do the anti-odour treatments last?
HeiQ Mint retains more than 94% of its odour-control effectiveness after 20 wash cycles — independently tested. Unlike silver-based finishes that leach out quickly, our plant-based treatments are engineered to last the functional life of the garment when washed according to care instructions.
Are the treatments safe for sensitive skin?
Yes. Every APRÍ garment is OEKO-TEX STANDARD 100 certified, which tests the finished product against more than 1,000 harmful substances. HeiQ Mint (APRÍtech™) and NordShield (APRÍshield™) are both free from heavy metals, PFAS, and synthetic biocides, making them suitable for sensitive skin.
Do I need to wash my APRÍ clothes differently?
No special detergent or programme is required. We recommend washing at 30°C on a gentle cycle and air-drying when possible — this preserves fabric quality and extends the life of the anti-odour treatment. Because APRÍ stays fresh longer, you can wash less often. That's the point.
Is HeiQ Mint the same as silver anti-odour?
No. Silver-based anti-odour treatments use silver ions — a heavy metal that washes out into waterways and is being phased out under EU regulations. HeiQ Mint is a plant-based alternative derived from mint, with no heavy metals, no synthetic biocides, and no PFAS. The mechanism, the chemistry, and the environmental profile are fundamentally different.