#Textile chemistry

2022-09-01

Microban launches industry groundbreaking antimicrobial technology for cotton

Microban International is pleased to unveil its new, game-changing technology – DuraTech™ by Microban® – an antimicrobial additive with superior wash durability designed explicitly for cotton applications. This ground-breaking non-heavy metal technology helps to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria up to 99.99 percent after 75 home launderings which far exceeds industry standards. DuraTech also works to keep cotton fabrics fresher for longer by reducing odors up to 99 percent even after 75 home launderings.

This innovation from the global leader in antimicrobial and odor control solutions is part of Microban's continued commitment to being a sustainability-solutions focused company. DuraTech will push the boundaries of antimicrobial cotton technology, addressing the needs of brands and manufacturers for a more durable and sustainable solution through the elimination of heavy metals from the formulation. As well as being a non-heavy metal antimicrobial, DuraTech is also binder-free, non-ionic, and fully water soluble. These features allow DuraTech to easily integrate into cotton fabrics during normal padding manufacturing processes, with no impact on the appearance or feel of the final cotton product. DuraTech works continuously to protect cotton products from the growth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to unpleasant odors, stains, and early product deterioration.

DuraTech will be available to cotton fabric manufacturers and brands in the U.S. and Asia, and will include Microban's invaluable turnkey support services for branded partners. This novel technology is perfect for creating antimicrobial cotton products, such as sheets and towels for home textiles, hospitality, apparel, and more.

Michael Ruby, President of Microban International, commented: “As the global leader in the areas of antimicrobial, odor control, and surface modification solutions, Microban strives to deliver the most innovative solutions to our partners all around the world. We are pleased to announce the launch of DuraTech by Microban for textiles producers and leading brands in the United States, India, and Asia. This technological breakthrough is specifically targeted at cotton substrates which delivers unparalleled antimicrobial product protection and wash durability without relying on the use of heavy metals. This technology will help leading brands deliver a better end consumer experience in the home, hospitality, and apparel sectors with a sustainability-focused solution from Microban.”

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

With its new Textile Innovation Center, KARL MAYER is sending a strong signal for innovation, collaboration, and the future of textile applications. In this interview, Karl Josef Mayer discusses new opportunities in warp knitting, the processing of staple fibres, recycling, the changing role of machinery manufacturers, and why the textile industry must once again focus more strongly on the value of textiles. by Oliver Schmidt

“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

Geopolitical uncertainty, growing competitive pressure from China, new free trade agreements and the shift towards a circular economy are currently reshaping the global textile industry. In this interview, Cornelia Buchwalder discusses the current mood within the Swiss textile machinery sector, the industry’s distinctive innovative strength, new market opportunities in India and Asia, and the technological trends that could shape the upcoming trade fair cycle leading up to ITMA 2027.

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.

Cotton made in Africa partners receive top marks in independent verifications

Cotton made in Africa® (CmiA) and CmiA Organic are two internationally recognised standards that aim to promote sustainable development in the African cotton sector south of the Sahara. To ensure the standards’ credibility among brands, retailers, and consumers, independent verifiers evaluate compliance on the ground. The verification results for 2025, now published in the Aggregated Verification & Implementation Report, were very strong: The verifiers awarded consistently very good remarks regarding management, people, prosperity, and the environment.

Bangladesh: Italian textile machinery mission stops in Dhaka and Chittagong

Technological upgrading and the transition toward higher value-added production are driving the new Italian industrial mission to Bangladesh. This year, the mission will split between the country’s two main manufacturing hubs, where Italian manufacturers will meet the leaders of the local textile supply chain in two strategic stages: July 7th in Dhaka and July 9th in Chittagong.

Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026 closes doors, advancing sustainable and innovative sourcing in South China

Yarn Expo Shenzhen 2026 served as a strategically positioned mid-year sourcing platform for the Greater Bay Area, highlighting Shenzhen’s role in connecting regional demand, supply and innovation exchange across the textile value chain. During the three-day fair, over 20,000 visits were drawn from 74 countries and regions[1], as exhibitors and buyers engaged with new developments in greener, performance-led, and value-added yarn and fibre solutions. Held in conjunction with Intertextile Shenzhen Apparel Fabrics and PH Value, the fair underscored the benefits of closer synergy and new materials across yarn, fabric and apparel platforms for the South China market.