Switzerland-based Schoeller Technologies AG and its strategic distribution partner Clariant International Ltd., also based in Switzerland, have reformulated Schoeller’s NanoSphere® self-cleaning, water- and oil-repellent finish to use the latest C6 fluorocarbon technology, providing a more environmentally friendly, perfluorooctanoic acid- and perfluorooctane sulfonate-free finish.

According to the companies, the new formulation and nanoparticle mix still is highly water- and oil-repellent, abrasion-resistant and durable under the most stringent washing and dry-cleaning processes. As with the original formulation, the new finish also complies with the bluesign® standard for environmental friendliness, and the nanoparticles are thermostable up to a temperature of 1,700°C. The finish’s performance and biological safety have been confirmed in testing by the Germany-based Hohenstein Research Institute.

Schoeller and Clariant initiated their strategic partnership in late 2007. Schoeller holds the patents and manages the branding and marketing of NanoSphere; while Clariant is responsible for production, global sales and distribution, and knowledge and quality assurance transfer to licensed textile manufacturers.

June 3, 2008