#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.

Archroma and Lameirinho partner in pioneering deployment of InOneGO single-step dyeing

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, and Lameirinho, a leading home textiles manufacturer based in Portugal, are collaborating to bring InOneGO by Archroma, a new single-step dyeing process, into commercial production. Lameirinho’s first InOneGo bedlinens collection is now available worldwide.

Archroma wins ICIS Innovation Award for sulfur dye breakthrough

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, has won a coveted 2026 ICIS Innovation Award for Best Product Innovation from a Large Company for FiberColors®. These high-performance sulfur dyes are synthesized from pre-consumer wool waste, reducing industry reliance on petroleum-based inputs while contributing to the circular economy by upcycling unwanted wool that farmers would otherwise pay to dispose of.

ZymoChem secures $4 million in renewed federal funding to advance U.S. biomanufacturing of critical materials and their supply chains

ZymoChem, the specialty chemicals company dedicated to bringing decarbonization, sustainability, and supply chain resiliency to the chemical industry through innovative biological manufacturing, today announced the resumption and expansion of its federal research portfolio. The company has been notified that previously paused work under a $5 million U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program is officially back on, to be joined by continuing collaborations with three of the nation's premier national laboratories.

KARL MAYER invites the Global Textile Industry to celebrate its 90th anniversary at its German Headquarters in 2027

KARL MAYER is turning its anniversary year 2027 into a milestone for the textile sector. To mark its 90th anniversary, the industry leader is inviting customers, partners, and experts from around the world to a unique event series in September aimed at pushing boundaries, unlocking new opportunities, and jointly setting the course for a new era in textiles – just as KARL MAYER has done throughout its history. The company’s headquarters in Obertshausen, near Frankfurt, is the place to be.

ITMF names three winners of the Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026

Three projects from the UK, Korea and China have been selected as winners of the ITMF Sustainability & Innovation Award 2026. The projects address textile-to-textile recycling, chemical recycling for automotive textiles and a regenerative approach combining silk production with ecological restoration.

Durak Maxibalance thread supports users’ movement and balance comfort

Durak Tekstil, a leading brand in its industry, has developed Durak Maxibalance, a new product engineered with bio-ceramic and FAR IR technology. Ushering in a new era for sportswear, activewear, and medical textiles, this technology offers features designed to support balance and movement comfort by reflecting the energy absorbed from the body back into it.