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#Textile chemistry

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.

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#Textile chemistry

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.

#Textile chemistry

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.

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#Textile chemistry

bluesign updates chemical reference lists with stronger PFAS restrictions

bluesign has published the 2026 editions of its three core chemical reference lists, introducing updated substance limits and testing requirements in line with the latest scientific findings and regulatory developments.

#Textile chemistry

Fashion for Good launches DW(O)R-X to navigate the emerging landscape of PFAS-free finishes

Fashion for Good announced the launch of Project DW(O)R-X, a collaborative initiative designed to benchmark PFAS alternative durable water- and oil-repellent (DW(O)R) chemistries. Responding to growing market demand for alternatives to PFAS‑based finishes, the project aims to generate reliable, comparable data that can support informed sourcing decisions and the assessment of emerging chemistries.

#Sustainability

Indovinya advances sustainable solutions with agreement for the supply of renewable Oxygen from Air Liquide

Indovinya, the specialty chemicals and surfactants division of Indorama Ventures, has entered into an agreement with Air Liquide — a world leader in gases, technologies, and services for industry and healthcare — for the supply of renewable oxygen. The agreement represents a strategic advancement in Indovinya’s commitment to sustainability, as it increases the share of renewable raw materials in the production of ethylene oxide, one of its key products.

#Textile chemistry

DyStar releases FY2025 sustainability report, marking a new milestone towards its 2030 targets

DyStar, a leading specialty chemicals company with more than a century of expertise in product development and innovation, today announced the release of its FY2025 Sustainability Report, marking a significant milestone in its sustainability journey and reinforcing its commitment to long-term value creation.

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#Raw Materials

Brazil sets new cotton export record and consolidates global leadership

Brazil ended the 2025/26 commercial year with a new record, consolidating its position as the world’s largest cotton exporter. Between August 2025 and July 2026, the country shipped 3,373,941 tonnes of the fiber, 19% more than in the previous cycle, and reached record revenue of US$5.3 billion. The result represents a milestone in Brazil’s expansion in the international market and reinforces the country’s role as a strategic supplier to the global textile industry.

#Raw Materials

Better Cotton Initiative partners with Avalo in AI plant breeding for climate-resilient cotton

The Better Cotton Initiative (BCI) has partnered with agriculture solutions company Avalo, whose platform accelerates the speed at which plants with key resiliency traits may be developed.

#Man-Made Fibers

The LYCRA Company expands its co-creation vision through an immersive Lifestyle District at Intertextile Shanghai.

The LYCRA Company, a global leader in fiber and technology solutions for the apparel industry, is reimagining the trade show experience at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics Autumn Edition, which opened today in China. Building on the success of last year's ALL IN concept, the company has expanded its co-creation vision into a 356-square-meter Lifestyle District featuring partners Jingzili New Material, JYT Textile, Lianxingfa Knitting, and Trend Textile. The district is part of a larger 895-square-meter pavilion showcasing a total of 19 co-exhibitors. Together, they demonstrate how innovations in fiber, fabric, and garments can be combined to create compelling solutions for both work and play.

#Natural Fibers

Plastic-free stretch technologies drive new direction for denim innovation

As the denim industry looks for ways to reduce its reliance on synthetic fibres, plastic-free stretch technologies are gaining momentum. Developments based on mechanical fabric construction and natural rubber are demonstrating that comfort and stretch can be achieved without conventional elastane, supporting both recyclability and circular product design.

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