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#Textile chemistry

Covestro´s INSQIN® helps the automotive industry design today for the passengers of tomorrow

Water-based INSQIN® technology enables flexible, adjustable and durable coatings with a superior appearance. This also opens up the best opportunities for use in the car of the future. (c) 2019 Covestro
The automotive industry focuses on innovations as a driver for future growth. The INSQIN® technology of Covestro contributes to increasing the quality, design and functionality of car interiors to ensure its customers and OEM partners can offer future-proof technology solutions to ensure the ultimate in style and comfort.

Mobility trends such as electric vehicles and car sharing, as well as tightening regulations on VOC emissions and sustainability are redefining the role and function of automotive interiors. With INSQIN®, a variety of coated textiles and new materials can now be used to create a stylish in-car experience that drivers want. This waterborne polyurethane technology enables more sustainable, flexible and durable coatings with a premium look and feel. These unique product features empower performance, even in the thinnest layers.

In a powerful demonstration of the potential of innovative materials for future mobility, the pioneering Covestro-sponsored Sonnenwagen electric car is currently taking part in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge 2019 in Australia, which is known as the toughest solar race in the world. The Covestro Sonnenwagen includes innovative materials like polyurethane synthetics for its steering wheel and car seat cover. The materials are also exhibited at K 2019 trade fair from October 16-23 in Düsseldorf, Germany, to demonstrate how they can be used in the spacious living or working space of the car of the future.

Well-equipped for increasing demands

Drivers increasingly demand an intelligent, enjoyable, but also healthy and sustainable in-car experience. Harnessing material innovation, Covestro is fully equipped for evolving demands. Produced at state-of-the-art facilities, INSQIN® delivers the qualities sought by automakers with low VOC emissions and a low environmental impact. Additional technologies from Covestro include ultra-thin polycarbonate films and lighter polyurethane foams that help reduce vehicle fuel consumption.

“Automakers demand both performance and sustainable solutions,” said Dr. Torsten Pohl, Head of Global Textile Coatings at Covestro. “We are proud to be creating innovations and pioneering application methods in more and more industry sectors. Our broad product portfolio allows manufacturers to offer different effects and looks, giving them more options for the automotive interior of the future. With our INSQIN® technology, we are helping automakers to accelerate ahead of the competition.”


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#Smart Textiles

Covestro, FILK Freiberg, and OUT e.V. develop flexible, conductive polymer smart textile system

As the smart textiles market continues to grow across healthcare, personal protection, sportswear, and automotive applications, developers are seeking new ways to integrate electronic functionality directly into textiles, without the rigidity and complexity of conventional wiring. To address this challenge, FILK Freiberg Institute, an independent research institution with expertise in polymer coatings for textile applications, collaborated with Optotransmitter-Umweltschutz-Technologie (OUT) e.V. The joint project, funded under the German Industrielle Gemeinschaftsforschung (IGF) program of the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Energie (BMWE), focused on developing flexible, conductive polymer surfaces for next-generation smart textiles.

#Techtextil 2026

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

#Technical Textiles

Covestro showcases monomaterial concept in autonomous SUE People Mover

UE | STUDIOS has unveiled the fully autonomous electric minibus “Self-driving Urban E-Shuttle” (SUE), placing strong emphasis on sustainable material design. Developed within a project funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) and the European Union, the vehicle will begin public road testing this year. At the core of the concept is the consistent use of recyclable monomaterials to improve circularity at end of life.

#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.

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#Textile chemistry

bluesign updates chemical reference lists with stronger PFAS restrictions

bluesign has published the 2026 editions of its three core chemical reference lists, introducing updated substance limits and testing requirements in line with the latest scientific findings and regulatory developments.

#Textile chemistry

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

#Sustainability

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

#Textile chemistry

DyStar releases FY2025 sustainability report, marking a new milestone towards its 2030 targets

DyStar, a leading specialty chemicals company with more than a century of expertise in product development and innovation, today announced the release of its FY2025 Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey and reinforcing its commitment to long-term value creation.

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#Knitting & Hosiery

3D designs with a wow factor made on HKS 4-M EL ECO: When crepe, ruffles, and sheer fabrics redefine fashion

Seersucker, flip-flap items, Fırfır, or crepe materials: structured fabrics have long been more than just a passing trend. They lend timeless looks depth, dynamism, and an exciting tactile dimension. Whether classic striped patterns or modern solid-color interpretations, these versatile pieces pair perfectly with casual and business-casual outfits and effortlessly create a modern look.

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

IFCO Istanbul strengthens international reach with 12,550 trade visitors

The tenth edition of Istanbul Fashion Connection (IFCO), held from 19 to 21 August 2026, attracted 12,550 trade visitors from 117 countries to the Istanbul Expo Center. More than 200 exhibitors presented collections, manufacturing expertise and sourcing solutions across womenswear, menswear, kidswear, denim, eveningwear, lingerie, hosiery, accessories and homewear.

#Spinning

Greater efficiency for tomorrow’s textile industry

From September 24 to 27, 2026, Barmag, together with BB Engineering (BBE), will present innovative solutions for the efficient and sustainable production of synthetic yarns at the Egy Stitch & Tex Expo in Cairo, Egypt. Under the motto “A New Era. Powered by Innovation.,” experts from Barmag and BBE will present technologies spanning the entire textile value chain — from melt to yarn — at the ATAG Ltd. booth (Hall 1, Booth C1).

#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

Asia's premier fashion event CENTRESTAGE officially has kicked off

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s annual premier fashion event and a flagship programme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, officially opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Running for four consecutive days until 5 September, the exhibition is open free of charge to both industry buyers and the public, and invites all to immerse themselves in the unique allure of Asia's fashion capital.

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