#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.

Covestro to exhibit solutions for a more sustainable and productive textile industry at Techtextil 2026

Covestro will present a broad portfolio of material innovations for textile coatings, adhesive films and thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) at Techtextil 2026 (Hall 11.0, Booth C79). The exhibits will demonstrate how advanced solutions can enhance durability, recyclability and manufacturing efficiency across applications such as automotive, infrastructure, protective apparel and sportswear. A particular focus will be on more sustainable coating technologies, including antimicrobial systems based on INSQIN® in combination with AGXX from Heraeus Precious Metals, as well as the integration of Pontacol® thermoplastic adhesive films into Covestro’s offering.

Archroma expands denim possibilities at Kingpins Amsterdam

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals, will present a portfolio of six sustainable denim innovations at Kingpins Amsterdam from April 15-16, 2026. Under the theme “Creating Possibilities in Denim”, the showcase reflects Archroma’s commitment to giving brands and mills solutions that are as commercially compelling as they are environmentally responsible.

New study shows low environmental impact by Cotton made in Africa Organic Cotton from Tanzania

Today, the Aid by Trade Foundation (AbTF) is announcing the results of a comprehensive life-cycle analysis (LCA) for cotton produced in Tanzania under the Cotton made in Africa Organic (CmiA Organic) standard. The study emphasises the small ecological footprint of CmiA Organic verified cotton. This can largely be traced back to the absence of synthetic pesticides, artificial fertilisers, and artificial irrigation. Consequently, CmiA Organic cotton can help the textile industry meet regulatory requirements as well as science-based targets. The results also show that the consequences of climate change threaten the livelihoods of these cotton farmers, even though the type of agriculture they practise barely contributes to climate change.

PERFORMANCE DAYS proves its relevance as the industry’s key meeting point

Held on March 18–19, 2026, PERFORMANCE DAYS once again confirmed its position as a leading international platform for functional textiles. A total of 3.366 trade visitors and around 560 exhibitors gathered in Munich, with the event already kicking off successfully on DAY 0, which received highly positive feedback for its interactive format. Despite challenging conditions caused by the public transport strike in Munich, the event saw strong attendance and a consistently high level of activity across both exhibition days.