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#Techtextil 2019

Sustainable and functional solutions for textiles

At Techtextil 2019, Covestro will present sustainable developments with its INSQIN® technology for waterbased textile coatings, but also film solutions for such smart textiles. (c) 2019 Covestro
At Techtextil Covestro will be presenting new and sustainable developments with INSQIN® technology for aqueous textile coatings as well as a waterbased polyurethane dispersion enabling biodegradable textile coatings at Booth D22 in Hall 3.0. Visitors can also obtain information on skin-friendly coatings for medical textiles, on a new TPU fiber as well as on film solutions for smart textiles, for example.

One of the highlights this time is breathable yet waterproof outdoor clothing. It is intended to protect joggers or hikers from rain, but at the same time let sweat escape from their skin. With the INSQIN® technology, textiles are coated with waterbased polyurethane (PU) dispersions without the use of solvents. 

The breathable textiles impart a pleasantly comfortable feeling. This is ensured by an adhesive coating based on Impraperm® DL 5310 dispersion and a top coat based on Impraperm® DL 5249. Both products also give backpacks, shoes and gloves their desired functionality. 

Biodegradable textile coating

When assessing the sustainability of textiles, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the entire product cycle – including the behavior at the end of its useful life. With Impranil® DLN-SD, Covestro offers a waterbased PU dispersion that is biologically degradable by microorganisms at the end of the product life cycle. The initial internal tests performed on pure polymer films without additives confirm this. The raw materials enable biodegradable coatings and composite solutions, which in turn contribute to a modern recycling economy. Under the conditions of OECD Standard 301, more than half of the dispersion is degraded within 28 days. The percentage is significantly higher than with acrylate film formers.

The aliphatic PU dispersion Impranil® DLN-SD can be used to formulate very light-resistant coatings for adhesive, intermediate and top coats. They are also suitable for other product applications, such as latex gloves and packaging.

New TPU fiber for fabrics

At Techtextil 2019, Covestro will also showcase a new fiber made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Compared to conventional polyethylene terephthalate fibers, it is characterized by an improved abrasion resistance and can be heat pressed at lower temperatures. Tear resistance and a good haptic feeling are further advantages.The fiber can be used in footwear, functional textiles, sports accessories and casual wear.

Innovative film solutions for smart textiles

The use of printed electronics is becoming increasingly important in the course of increasing digitalization in the medical and health sector and also in leisure time. Covestro has developed a range of skin-friendly film solutions to meet the requirements for lightweight and very comfortable smart textile design. Smart textiles are an important application, for example for biomonitoring, diagnostics and drug administration.

Platilon® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) films are used, for example, in the continuous monitoring of vital functions and exact performance measurement. A conductive ink can be safely applied to the films to achieve this. Housed inside a shoe sole, patient data can be directly recorded and evaluated in real time by electronic devices.

Sustainable textile coatings for medicine

Recently, Covestro has also been developing textile coatings for medical applications. These include surgical clothing, bed pads for hospitals, coatings for medical furniture and even bandages. At Techtextil 2019, the company will present raw materials for sustainable, water-based textile coatings with good haptics and resistance to disinfectants, as well as cohesive bandages without latex for compression therapy and secondary fixation.

More News from Covestro AG

#Textile chemistry

Covestro and Heraeus Precious Metals collaborate to enable safer, more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings

Laboratory tests reveal that AGXX antimicrobial surface technology from Heraeus Precious Metals is fully compatible with Impranil® PU dispersions which are part of the waterborne INSQIN® textile coating technology from Covestro, paving the way for more sustainable antimicrobial textile coatings. This discovery comes at a key moment for the textile coatings industry. As the sharing economy continues to grow, more people are coming into regular contact with high-use surfaces, creating ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms to thrive.

#Textile chemistry

Covestro celebrates decade of innovation and sustainable growth

Covestro celebrates its 10-year anniversary today. Since its carve-out from Bayer in 2015, the company has developed into a global leader in high-performance polymer materials and a pioneer in circular economy solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, Covestro’s materials are now embedded in countless applications worldwide – from mobility and construction to electronics, healthcare, and consumer goods.

#Textile chemistry

Covestro extends contract with CTO Dr. Thorsten Dreier ahead of schedule until 2031

Dr. Thorsten Dreier will remain Chief Technology Officer of Covestro for a further five years. The Supervisory Board has extended his contract, which runs until June 2026, ahead of schedule from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2031.

#Textile chemistry

Suiting up Team Sonnenwagen with more sustainable sportswear created through a three-way partnership

Team Sonnenwagen Aachen, a solar racing collective from RWTH Aachen and FH Aachen, Germany, is on a mission to advance sustainable mobility solutions and become world champions. This August, the student team will participate in the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, a biannual 3,000-kilometer race across the Australian outback. During the five-day event, 50 student teams from around the world will compete with solar vehicles that they must design, assemble, and drive themselves.

More News on Techtextil 2019

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#Recycling / Circular Economy

Circulose restarts commercial-scale production at Ortviken plant in Sundsvall

Circulose today announced the restart of its commercial-scale production plant at Ortviken in Sundsvall, Sweden, marking a significant step in scaling next-generation materials for the global fashion industry. The company plans to resume production of CIRCULOSE®, a recycled pulp made entirely from discarded cotton textiles, in the fourth quarter of 2026.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

VIATT 2026 to debut German Pavilion, strengthening European participation alongside key Asian textile hubs

Vietnam’s textile and garment sector continues to be a major contributor to the country’s economic growth, with export revenues expected to reach USD 46 billion in 2025, a 5.6% increase from 2024 . From 26 – 28 February, the Vietnam International Trade Fair for Apparel, Textiles and Textile Technologies (VIATT) is set to contribute to economic growth opportunities by accelerating digital transformation and green transition across the entire textile value chain. The upcoming edition will respond to the rising demand for advanced technologies and sustainable materials with the introduction of the German Pavilion, alongside strong exhibitor participation from key Asian sectors, as well as several high-profile fringe events.

#Sustainability

Ying McGuire becomes new CEO of Cascale

Cascale today announced the appointment of Ying McGuire as Chief Executive Officer, effective June 1, 2026.

#Technical Textiles

Sustainable, lightweight, and sound absorbing: Polyester-based front trunk solution for BEVs

As car manufacturers look to further reduce their carbon footprint, Autoneum has developed an innovative front trunk solution for battery electric vehicles (BEVs), made entirely from polyester-based textile. The Ultra-Silent Frunk offers significant weight reduction, improved acoustic and thermal insulation, and uses up to 70 percent recycled material, supporting sustainable and efficient vehicle design. Autoneum, global technology leader in acoustic and thermal management for vehicles, has already received orders for the new frunk from three major OEMs in Asia and Europe to be built in three BEV models. Series production for two BEVs has been underway in China and Germany since last year.

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