#Textile chemistry

2024-04-25

Archroma introduces highly sustainable durable water repellent for outerwear and apparel fabrics that is softer and more durable

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, has introduced a new bio-based durable water repellent (DWR) finish that helps mills and brands produce apparel that is soft to the touch and yet offers robust rain and stain protection and an improved sustainability profile.

PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ is designed to provide excellent water repellence on all kinds of fibers while achieving a very soft handle and avoiding undesired effects like yellowing and chalk marking. It performs especially well on synthetic fibers and their blends, making it ideal for apparel, outdoor wear and home textiles.

Archroma introduces highly sustainable durable water repellent for outerwear and apparel fabrics that is softer and more durable. (Photo: Archroma)<br /> — Archroma introduces highly sustainable durable water repellent for outerwear and apparel fabrics that is softer and more durable. (Photo: Archroma)

The new DWR is based on 50% renewable carbon content based on ASTM D6866 and is free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and formaldehyde. It is also crosslinker-free, which makes it more flexible in use. While offering good wash durability on its own, PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ can be combined with a crosslinker like ARKOPHOB® NTR-40, which has a biocarbon content of 40%, to further boost wash and/or dry-cleaning resistance.

“Archroma is dedicated to leading the fashion and textile industry to a more sustainable future through a focus on ‘Planet Conscious’ innovation,” Georg Lang, Market Segment Director Finishing, Archroma Textile Effects, said. “With our new PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ, we have used renewable feedstock to create a best-in-class DWR that is both cost-efficient and delivers a softer hand feel than comparable products. This makes it possible for brands to offer consumers the excellent rain, splash and stain protection they expect, but in fabrics that are more comfortable to wear as well as less likely to tear.”

PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ also has excellent runnability, which ensures reproducible performance and high production safety, even at elevated temperatures. It is helpful for mills seeking to solve challenges like running issues, such as roller build-up, and strong chalk marking or harsh handle.

Sportswear, fashion and home textiles treated with the PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ durable water repellent qualify for the High IQ® Repel assurance program. The High IQ® program assures consumers that these products deliver performance, protection and comfort and meet strict environmental standards.

Freudenberg accelerates local production for apparel market by expanding its site in India

Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg Apparel) celebrates the grand opening of a major expansion at its manufacturing facility in Chennai, India, on October 14, adding 20,000 square feet of production space and introducing new production lines tailored to the Indian apparel market. This strategic investment is aimed at significantly reducing lead times and enhancing the availability of high-quality, locally produced interlinings for the fast-evolving apparel sector in India and South Asia.

Eastman Naia™ launches Sustainability Progress Report and 2025-2030 Sustainability Goals at Textile Exchange Conference, reaffirming commitment to circular innovation

At the Textile Exchange Conference 2025, Eastman Naia™ released its 2025 Sustainability Progress Report and announced its 2025–2030 Sustainability Goals, presenting a record of genuine progress and outlining a renewed roadmap for the years ahead. This announcement demonstrates Naia™’s long-standing commitment to driving an industry-wide shift toward sustainability through scalable, commercially viable material solutions.

Reifenhäuser wins German Design Award for new user interface

At K 2025 in Düsseldorf, the Reifenhäuser Group unveiled its new company-wide machine user interface, which offers a uniform design language for blown film, flat film, and nonwoven lines – and stands out for its particularly simple operation. The overall concept impressed not only customers, but also the jury of the German Design Awards, who honored the system with the prestigious design prize during the trade fair.

Zschimmer & Schwarz at ITMA Asia in Singapore

At ITMA Asia in October 2025, Zschimmer & Schwarz will present 100 % bio-based spin finishes from the LERTISAN range designed for hygiene nonwovens, and HYDROSET ECO-DRY, a bio-based wicking agent that delivers excellent moisture management for synthetic fabrics. For dye fixation on polyamide, the company has developed a sustainable, plant-based product completely free from phenol, bisphenol, and formaldehyde. The patented aftertreatment agent ZETESAL ECO-FIX PA ensures durable and reliable fixation, particularly on dark shades.

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.

Archroma launches the first truly durable silicone softener for cotton that stays silky soft for longer: SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, today launched SILIGEN® D2W LIQ C, the industry’s first truly durable silicone softener for cellulosic as well as cotton-lycra blended knits. Designed to keep the fabric soft and elastic for an extended usage, it is ideal for textile and fashion applications where long-lasting comfort and breathability are important, from undergarments and sleepwear to baby and children’s clothing, dresses and trousers, activewear, T-shirts and towels.

Yarn Expo Spring 2026 spotlights industry transformation

Taking place 11 – 13 March 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai, Yarn Expo Spring 2026 is set to build on the exceptional success of the 2025 edition, which attracted nearly 24,000 visitors from 123 countries and regions. The show set a record with over 560 exhibitors showcasing their latest innovations. Notably, regenerated fibres and yarns drew the highest interest among visitors, with 57% sourcing in that category. Reflecting growing industry momentum, Yarn Expo Spring 2026 will continue to serve as a key global platform for driving sustainable development within the yarn and fibre sectors.

Officina39 brings “Shades of Sunset” to Kingpins Amsterdam

At the Winter edition of Kingpins Amsterdam (October 15–16, SugarFactory), Officina39 unveils Shades of Sunset, the new creative collection where color becomes a language for emotions. Inspired by the shifting hues of the sky at dusk, both on calm days and during dramatic storms, this interpretation of Spring–Summer 2027 embraces the imperfect beauty of nature and turns it into expressive, wearable storytelling. From serene and sun-washed gradients to intense contrasts and moody undertones, each piece reflects a unique “sunset state of mind.”

Closing the Loop in the Textile Industry: Value Creation in the State of Brandenburg

How can the state of Brandenburg benefit from a circular textile industry? This question is addressed in the new policy paper "Closing the loop in the textile industry: Value creation in the state of Brandenburg." Based on the „TexPHB“ feasibility study funded by the Brandenburg Ministry of Climate Protection, it shows how textile waste can be integrated into new value chains.