#Textile chemistry

2015-04-29

Introducing ZELAN® R3 renewably sourced, non-fluorinated highly durable water repellent finish

Continuing their efforts to promote a more sustainable global textile sector, Huntsman Textile Effects and The Chemours Company FC, LLC, a subsidiary of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Inc., have introduced ZELAN® R3 renewably sourced, non-fluorinated durable water-repellent finish, Based on a new technology from Chemours, this breakthrough product is the industry’s first and only renewably sourced water repellent treatment available today.

A sustainable solution for the apparel market now available from huntsman textile effects

Mills and brands that use ZELAN® R3 finish will now be able to provide consumers with durable water-repellent fabrics utilizing an environmental sustainability finish which contains 63% renewably sourced content. This content is derived from a variety of plant-based sources, carefully selected to be from non-genetically-modified (non-GMO) and non-food-source feedstock. It also fully complies with OEKO-TEX®, Standard 100 requirements, and is compliant with the Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals (ZDHC) Joint Roadmap Manufacturers Restricted Substance List (MRSL).

Chemours is also in the process of becoming a bluesign® system partner so that the organization, and the ZELAN® R3 finish product can be evaluated, achieve bluesign® approved status and be listed in the bluesign® bluefinder—the only verified positive list for the textile industry. The intent is to have this completed by mid-2015.

ZELAN® R3 finish effectively repels water and common water-based liquids such as fruit juice, hot coffee and red wine. It performs well on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, synthetics and blends, and is ideal for high-performance outdoor and outerwear fabrics. ZELAN® R3 finish is up to three times more durable than existing non-fluorinated repellents, delivering high-performance repellency for at least 30 washes, which is comparable to leading repellent products.

"Brands are increasingly demanding products that are sustainable and renewably sourced without sacrificing high performance durability. ZELAN® R3 finish was developed to satisfy this demand, delivering superior water protection while also reducing the environmental footprint of treated fabrics,” said Lee Howarth, Global Marketing Manager from Huntsman Textile Effects. “ZELAN® R3 finish continues the 25-year alliance of Chemours and Huntsman and reinforces our joint commitment to innovation that accelerates the textile industry’s drive for greater sustainability.”

Huntsman Textile Effects will provide technical support, recipe recommendations and application guidance to help mills and finishers use ZELAN® R3 finish to achieve the desired performance requirements. The treatment is applied by padding at loading levels comparable or lower than other typical repellent finishes and can be combined with PHOBOL® XAN Extender to further boost wash durability.

Brands and retailers that have ZELAN® R3 finished fabrics which meet durable water repellency (DWR) performance levels may obtain a Trademark Licensing Agreement from Chemours allowing them to use the Teflon EcoElite™ brand in promotion of their products. Research shows that incorporating the Teflon® brand greatly benefits brands and retailers since consumers readily recognize and highly value the Teflon® brand name. For more information, visit www.teflon.com/EcoElite.

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.

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.

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.

Speed and connectivity: Techtextil and Texprocess provided market-ready solutions for industries under pressure

With more than 36,000 visitors and 1,700 exhibitors from a total of 112 countries, Techtextil and Texprocess 2026 demonstrated how innovation comes into industrial use. The convergence of research, industry and application proved to be a breeding ground for new material solutions, manufacturing and processing technologies. Natural fibres, performance apparel, connected systems and AI-driven processing technologies emerged as key growth and future markets.

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles unveils Trends 2027 alongside new lifestyle zone and product expansion

Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles – Autumn Edition 2026 will spotlight forward-looking design directions and evolving consumer demand, as the global home and lifestyle market continues to adapt to sustainability priorities, emotional well-being, and diversified living spaces. Taking place from 18 – 20 August 2026 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai), the fair will present its latest trend theme, ‘BREATHE UP!’, developed in collaboration with leading international trend forecaster NellyRodi™ Agency, alongside expanded product categories, and the debut of the Home Textiles Lifestyle Zone.

Itema to showcase weaving excellence at ITM 2026

From June 9 to 13, Itema will exhibit at ITM 2026 in Istanbul (Hall 8 – Stand 806D), unveiling a distinctive exhibition concept designed to highlight the Company’s expertise across the entire weaving value chain. For this year’s edition, Itema will introduce an innovative stand experience built around two core areas: advanced weaving and spare parts solutions and an immersive textile gallery featuring fabrics produced by Itema Customers worldwide.