#Textile chemistry

2013-03-25

Huntsman Textile Effects launches PHOBOTEX®, extending its comprehensive range of Fluorine-free rain and stain management products

Huntsman Textile Effects launched the PHOBOTEX® range of fluorine-free rain protection and stain management products. The PHOBOTEX® range is entirely complementary to the existing range of Phobol® CP short-chain C6 fluorocarbons, sold under the Teflon® trademark.

This launch further extends Huntsman’s comprehensive range of stain management and durable water-repellent products that are fully aligned with many industry benchmarks, including industry benchmarks including OEKO-TEX, bluesign, aligned with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) joint roadmap and listed chemicals and substances from the Restricted Substances Lists (RSL).

PHOBOTEX® are an advanced and comprehensive range of fluorine-free hydro polymers, specifically developed to specifically protect a wide range of textile end-uses against rain and every day stains from ketchup and red wine to mud and grass, The range includes technologies that impart a water-based repellency and stain management effects to textiles for up to 30 washes at 40oC and beyond. With a softer finish compared to other conventional technologies available, PHOBOTEX® is suitable for many different end-uses including woven top weights and outdoor sports apparel. Other products in the new PHOBOTEX® range also impart a clever stain release effect after washing, together with quick-drying properties to textiles, wicking away perspiration and enhancing the comfort level for the wearer. It is also compatible with many other effects technologies, making them a very versatile offer for a wide range of textiles.

Fabrics treated with PHOBOTEX® can provide rain and stain protection to a wide range of end-uses from outdoor rainwear and active wear, pants and career wear to more technical fabrics such as awnings, tarpaulins, boat covers, outdoor furnishings and shower curtains. The PHOBOTEX® range is the most comprehensive fluorine-free durable rain protection and stain management product available on the market today.

“Through intensive research, we have created the range of PHOBOTEX® products to complement our extensive range of short-chain C6 fluorochemicals that can effectively meet one of the industry’s toughest challenges” – providing customers with high performing stain management and durable water repellent effects, while meeting the industry’s health, safety and environmental benchmarks, such as the ZDHC commitments” said Stephen Gray, Global Vice President, Strategic Marketing and Planning of Huntsman Textile Effects. “We continue in our quest to deliver technological advancements in our fluorine-free range as well as our short-chain C6 products to meet our customer’s exacting needs.”

Huntsman and Steitz Secura deliver breakthrough in sustainable safety footwear

Huntsman, in collaboration with Steitz Secura, has developed a breakthrough polyurethane (PU) solution that can help improve the circularity of safety footwear. Together, the two companies have created a DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system that can incorporate recycled content without compromising performance – setting a new benchmark in protective footwear production.

Huntsman secures bluesign® APPROVED status for IROGRAN® TPU products

Global chemical company Huntsman has secured bluesign® approval for ten of its IROGRAN® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products, which are used extensively across the textile and apparel industry. The materials in question are part of Huntsman’s IROGRAN® film and sheet portfolio, and can be used to enhance the production, performance, and comfort of stitchless, seamless garments including underwear, sportswear, and outdoor and waterproof clothing.

SOKO presents low-impact denim finishing innovations at Denim PV Milan

SOKO will present a range of sustainable denim finishing technologies and collaborative projects at the upcoming Denim Première Vision Milan on 20–21 May in Milan. At booth G27 in Superstudio Più, the company will showcase new chemical solutions designed to combine fashionable denim effects with reduced environmental impact.

Barmag and Hitech Automation enter into partnership for an auto-doff system for texturing machines

Barmag (Suzhou) Technology Co., Ltd. and Hitech Automation Solutions PVT LTD. of Surat, India, have agreed to an exclusive partnership to jointly market Hitech’s Doffmatic automation solution for Barmag’s proven manual eFK texturing machines. In many texturing facilities, manual doffing processes remain heavily operator-dependent – resulting in issues such as increased scrap, inconsistent quality, and limited productivity.

Uster’s new Recycling Opening Index guides spinners to the perfect blend

Uster AFIS 6 now offers the key data for better decisions when blending recycled fibers. Process control is decisive in determining the quality and economic outcome. The new R Recycling Module of AFIS 6 introduces the Recycling Opening Index (ROI), so spinners can optimize their circularity credentials. It was officially launched at ITM 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The heart of the technical textiles and nonwovens world will beat in Istanbul

Only 1 day remains until HIGHTEX 2026 International Technical Textiles and Nonwovens Exhibition opens its doors. Bringing together manufacturers, technology developers, investors, and industry professionals from around the world, HIGHTEX 2026 is preparing to showcase the innovations shaping the future of the industry. As the countdown to this major event continues, Istanbul is once again getting ready to become the meeting point of the global technical textiles industry.

Grasim Industries announces fresh investment of ₹3094 Crore to expand Lyocell capacity

Grasim Industries Limited, the flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group and a global leader in cellulosic fibres, today announced an investment of ₹3,094 crore, for Phase II Lyocell capacity of 110K TPA at Harihar, Karnataka. This expansion will consist of 2 lines of 55K TPA (150 Tons per day) each. The first line is expected to be commissioned by 2028, and the second line is expected to be commissioned by 2030.