#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.

Mario Jorge Machado re-elected President of EURATEX

The EURATEX General Assembly has re-elected Mario Jorge Machado as President of EURATEX, renewing its confidence in his leadership at a crucial moment for the European textile and clothing industry. The sector is facing rising costs, global competitive pressure and an increasingly challenging transition towards sustainability and digitalisation.

ITM 2026 makes happy participants with its international and qualified visitor profile

ITM 2026 International Textile Machinery Exhibition, one of the most prestigious meeting points of the textile machinery sector, attracted attention in its first three days, particularly with its diverse international visitor numbers. Industry professionals from all over the world had the opportunity to closely examine the latest technology machines and solutions displayed in operation. Thousands of visitors from approximately 100 countries, primarily Egypt, Pakistan, India, Uzbekistan, Syria, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, met at the Tüyap Fair and Congress Center for new investment and cooperation opportunities.

KARL MAYER presents a textile TEXTRONIC® innovation at ITM 2026

With highly efficient machines and continuous textile innovations, KARL MAYER underscores its role as a reliable partner for discerning top-tier customers. Just in time for ITM 2026 in Istanbul, the industry leader is introducing a true innovation: an eyelash lace with its characteristic fringed look – combined with a previously unattainable 4-way stretch. While the established fabric could until now only be produced as rigid version or with one-dimensional stretch, the new elasticity in both dimensions expands the possibilities for cross-band panel fabrics.