#Textile chemistry

2024-07-04

Huntsman secures bluesign® APPROVED status for IROGRAN® TPU products

Global chemical company Huntsman has secured bluesign® approval for ten of its IROGRAN® thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) products, which are used extensively across the textile and apparel industry. The materials in question are part of Huntsman’s IROGRAN® film and sheet portfolio, and can be used to enhance the production, performance, and comfort of stitchless, seamless garments including underwear, sportswear, and outdoor and waterproof clothing.

Ten products confirmed to meet strict eco and toxicological criteria

Recognized worldwide, bluesign® is a leading sustainability solutions provider that ensures that sound environmental practices and products are used at each step of the textile value chain. Chemical products and textile materials carrying the bluesign® APPROVED label are confirmed to meet the strict ecological and toxicological requirements set out in the bluesign® CRITERIA. For textile and apparel manufacturers, this third-party endorsement can significantly reduce the amount of time and money they need to spend on researching products and testing samples to confirm their environmental credentials.

The bluesign® APPROVED IROGRAN® products have been designed to help textile and apparel manufacturers to create stitchless and waterproof garments that are practical and comfortable, yet also stylish. IROGRAN® TPUs developed for barrier and adhesive film applications combine abrasion and friction resistance with elasticity and a soft touch. They also offer strength and temperature flexibility – for a seamless finish that can deliver high performance.

Approved products include:

IROGRAN® PS443-204

IROGRAN® PS455-218

IROGRAN® PS370-206

IROGRAN® A 95 P 5044 H UV

IROGRAN® CA116-206

IROGRAN® PS455-203

IROGRAN® A 80 P 5039

IROGRAN® CA117-200

IROGRAN® A 92 E 4860

IROGRAN® PS456-206.

Dr. Anja Weismann, Global Materials & Industry Sustainability Senior Lead Global Platform Elastomers at Huntsman Polyurethanes, said: “bluesign® is a hallmark of quality that is actively changing the impact that textiles have on the planet, for good. Wherever you go in the world, bluesign® is recognized as a stamp of trust and transparency. We are delighted our polyurethanes business has qualified so many products - building on our existing status as a bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER. At Huntsman we have long recognized the need for responsible and sustainable manufacturing across all markets in which we operate. Our work with bluesign® reinforces that commitment and underlines our efforts to manufacture polyurethane and TPU products with the lowest possible impact on people and the planet.”

Michael Sabo, Head of Chemical Services at bluesign® said: “As one of the most respected sustainability solutions providers that chemical companies, brands, and their supply chain partners can work with globally, bluesign® conducts strict on-site assessments of chemical manufacturers – examining the effectiveness of their product stewardship systems and conducting a rigorous assessment of their chemical products to ensure they are non-hazardous and produced sustainably. Huntsman is a trusted bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER – with an excellent track record, and we are delighted to certify its IROGRAN® TPU products.”

Huntsman is now continuing its bluesign® journey and is working to qualify other systems for textile and apparel applications.

Huntsman Polyurethanes became an approved bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER in 2022 following rigorous checks of its facilities and production processes. Achieving bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER status means a company uses resources responsibly, is continuously committed to improving environmental performance, and operates with the highest level of safety for both people and the environment. To achieve bluesign® SYSTEM PARTNER status, the Huntsman Polyurethanes team had to undergo a series of extensive audits to prove that product stewardship is at the core of its business practices and that processes are in place to help ensure product safety measures are followed.

Huntsman and Steitz Secura deliver breakthrough in sustainable safety footwear

Huntsman, in collaboration with Steitz Secura, has developed a breakthrough polyurethane (PU) solution that can help improve the circularity of safety footwear. Together, the two companies have created a DALTOPED® polyurethane midsole system that can incorporate recycled content without compromising performance – setting a new benchmark in protective footwear production.

A flagship for chemical production: BASF inaugurates world-scale Verbund site in China

BASF today (March 26, 2026) celebrated the official inauguration of its newly built, world-scale Verbund site in Zhanjiang, Guangdong Province in southern China. Covering an area of around four square kilometers, it is more than a major BASF project in the chemical growth market of China. “Zhanjiang shows what the future of chemistry looks like: efficient, digital and sustainable by design. The site showcases a smart integrated Verbund structure on an industrial scale,” said Dr. Markus Kamieth, CEO of BASF, at the ceremony attended by representatives from government, customers, business partners and employees.

Hof University develops sustainable textile coating for the fashion of tomorrow from mushrooms

Clothing is often treated as disposable: T-shirts for events, general merchandise, or short-term campaigns frequently end up in the trash after only a few uses. This is particularly problematic given that their production still largely relies on fossil-based materials. This is precisely where a new research project at Hof University of Applied Sciences comes in.

Jeanologia urges industry to accelerate PP Spray phase-out following ZDHC Watchlist update

Potassium permanganate has officially entered the Chemical Watchlist of the ZDHC Foundation, signaling increased scrutiny and potential phase-out of one of the most hazardous chemicals still used in denim finishing. The inclusion confirms an industry shift that Jeanologia anticipated more than a decade ago.

LineONE – Smart performance, smart investment at Techtextil 2026

At Techtextil 2026 in Frankfurt (April 21–24, Hall 12, Booth C79), AUTEFA Solutions will present its LineONE concepts for cost-efficient nonwoven production. As a full-line supplier for nonwoven production lines, AUTEFA Solutions covers the entire process chain – from fibre opening through to web bonding. With its LineONE line concepts, the company combines proven technologies into well-balanced, cost-efficient turnkey solutions. These concepts are designed for capacity expansions, modernisation projects and new production lines, offering robust design and high flexibility for applications such as filtration, geotextiles and automotive.

EU and Australia strengthen relations with Security and Defence Partnership and Trade Agreement

The EU and Australia have today announced the adoption of a groundbreaking Security and Defence Partnership. They have also concluded negotiations for an ambitious and balanced free trade agreement (FTA) and agreed to launch formal negotiations for the association of Australia to Horizon Europe, the world's largest funding programme for research and innovation. With these steps, the EU and Australia are delivering mutually beneficial outcomes and further reinforcing their already close relations in a time of geopolitical uncertainty.

DuPont introduces Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, setting a new benchmark for extreme breathability

DuPont (NYSE:DD) announced the launch of the Tyvek® APX™ 400 protective coverall, the first in a new generation of extremely breathable disposable chemical protection garments. Manufactured using DuPont™ Tyvek® APX™ groundbreaking fabric, the new garment combines 360° protection and durability with extreme breathability, taking worker comfort and safety to a whole new level.