Real Relief has announced the global launch of Magic Towel™, a reusable, washable hygiene towel designed with a permanently bonded antimicrobial technology.

The towel is being released as part of Global Handwashing Day. In partnership with HIF (The Humanitarian Innovation Fund), LSHTM (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine), Danish Refugee Council and a number of other partners, the Magic Towel™ is being tested in controlled laboratory conditions as well as under extreme field conditions.

“Magic Towel™ has the potential to revolutionize the way people wash their hands and make it easier, cheaper and more flexible,” said Torben Holm Larsen, technical director at Real Relief.

The towel kills bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a 99.99% rate, with the bacteria killed with 30 seconds, company officials say. It also kills MRSA. While it is being used in developing countries, it also may offer a back-up plan for facilities during emergencies. The organization says the towel needs very little water, and contaminated water can be used.