Freudenberg Launches Sustainable, Low-Level BPA Thermal Insulation Products

WEINHEIM, Germany — October 26, 2023 — Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel (Freudenberg), a provider of innovative technical solutions in the apparel industry, is pleased to launch two advanced thermal insulation products made from low-level Bisphenol A (BPA) recycled PET fibers (rPET) into the global range of comfortemp®, Freudenberg’s thermal insulation brand. The introduction of DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB underscores Freudenberg’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Freudenberg´s comfortemp® DOWN FEEL WA Series© Freudenberg Performance Materials

The additions of DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB to the comfortemp® global range serve as high-quality and ecologically-minded alternatives to down, enhancing the comfort and sustainability of your garments. DOWN FEEL WA 150LB is an extremely-lightweight, loose fiber thermal insulation with a super-light loft, while FIBERBALL WB 400LB uses clusters of extra-fine fibers to offer optimal breathability, maximum comfort, and minimal clumping after washing and drying.

GRS-certified and OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class I certifications

Both products are crafted using Freudenberg’s advanced technology, utilizing 100% GRS-certified rPET fibers, customizable to your desired fill levels. Additionally, these new products not only comply with but significantly surpass the stringent OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Class I certifications (the strictest requirements, suitable for babies). While OEKO-TEX® categorizes low-level BPA as less than 100 parts per million (ppm), these new products contain less than 1 ppm BPA, a testament to Freudenberg’s unyielding standards.

Freudenberg´s comfortemp® FIBERBALL WB Series© Freudenberg Performance Materials

“Our commitment to customers and sustainability aligns with market expectations for safer, responsible products while maintaining quality and performance,” said Merry Chen, Head of Global R&D and Product Compliance, Freudenberg Performance Materials Apparel. “The DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB products exemplify this commitment, providing innovative thermal insulation that prioritizes performance and customer well-being as we grow our House of Sustainability.”

House of Sustainability The House of Sustainability (HoS) is Freudenberg Apparel’s initiative to support customers in creating a more sustainable apparel industry. With over 500 innovative solutions, the HoS offers a comprehensive range of applications to shape a sustainable future. The DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB products bring the latest innovations from the HoS to customers and deliver responsible products in every manufacturing season.

Another Highlight in the European product line: HO 80xR

In addition to DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB, Freudenberg has also added HO 80xR into its comfortemp® European range and HoS in this manufacturing season. This new thermal insulation is made of recycled polyamide 6 from plastic waste, including fishing nets, carpet flooring, and industrial plastic. With 70% recycled polyamide fibers, this thermal insulation makes garments’ life sustainable. Designed to be recycled and reused over and over again, it embodies our environmental commitment and circular design principles.

DOWN FEEL WA 150LB and FIBERBALL WB 400LB are available globally and more low-level BPA thermal insulation options are available in Asia. HO 80xR is available in Europe.

Posted: October 26, 2023

Source: Freudenberg Performance Materials Holding SE & Co. KG

Sympatex Supports Focus Topic Of Funtional Fabric Fair Portland: Sustainable Membrane Innovations In Textile And Footwear

UNTERFÖHRING, Germany — October 26, 2023 — Functional Fabric Fair Fall 2023, is taking place November 1-2, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. Membrane manufacturer Sympatex invites to discover innovations in textile and footwear sectors (Booth 813). Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO Sympatex, supports as a speaker on the main stage, November 2, 11.30 AM.

There is growing pressure to improve responsible sourcing practices and reduce the environmental footprint. Associated with it, ingredient sourcing is on focus, because the ecological footprint of a garment depends very much on the choice of material.

Membrane manufacturer Sympatex is therefore expanding its product portfolio every year to include laminates made from fibre2fiber recycling. Sympatex invites visitors to its stand (Booth 813) to see what adjustments are already possible today to reduce the impact on the planet. The brand has also developed an Eco Design Guide to pass on this knowledge to all brand partners. Interesting for everyone, because in Europe, the EU Green Deal is incorporating Product Environmental Footprints.

Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO Sympatex, will dive into the topic at the main stage on November 2, 2023, 11.30 AM – 12.15 PM. The discussion takes place under the title: The recycling “Bottle”neck – why fibre-to-fibre is the only viable option to serve our recycling commitments”. The session will also offer insights into the most recent European legislation plans for the industry in terms of sustainability and a glimpse into new technologies for an emergent fiber-to-fiber recycling industry.

“More and more brands are committing to ambitious recycling targets for their synthetic raw materials. In particular for the most valued raw material polyester, most rely in their approach on supply chains based on PET bottle recycling, which is actually the easiest recycling process. This can only be a very short term solution, because bottle recycling will soon no longer be available as a raw material source for the textile industry. It is therefore an economic and strategic imperative to put all energy on closing the textile loop – and embrace design standards to support this process at best (Design4Recyclability).”, says Dr. Rüdiger Fox, CEO Sympatex.

“Performance Days and Functional Fabric Fair powered by Performance Days have played a significant role in educating the outdoor industry. Sympatex apprecciates this very much. We strive for cooperation, knowledge exchange and education to accelerate our efforts towards a circular economy. This year’s motto of the fair “From Membranes to Carbon Story” is particularly exciting for us. Now that the use of PFAS is finally banned. Therefore, we support the trade fair concept of Performance Days all year round, in all three cities, Munich, New York and Portland.”, says Kim Scholze, CSMO Sympatex.

The new section to the show is the greater attention around Footwear. Sympatex will present its latest innovation, called Sorrento non-woven. The company could eliminate polyurethane foam to reduce CO2 emissions by 10% and water consumption by 15%.

Sympatex will be on site with the new team member Marc Estor. Marc Estor is employed as Global Sales & Business Development Footwear.

Marc Estor, Global Sales & Business Development Footwear, Sympatex

“From my apprenticeship in one of the first running stores in Germany until today, everything has revolved around shoes. Thanks to my various leadership functions with strong brands, I have been able to successfully get to know a broad spectrum of the footwear industry and successfully implement different approaches to brand positioning and go-to-market strategies.”, says Marc Estor, Global Sales & Business Development Footwear, Sympatex.

“With the new challenges in the footwear industry, especially in terms of CSR and innovation, I am happy that I can now contribute to the footwear industry for the brand Sympatex, which stands for sustainability, which will significantly reduce the footprint in the industry. I am looking forward to this challenge and invite everyone to join me on the path of change. What was right in the past does not have to be right in the future.”, Estor adds.

Dedicated to outdoor and active apparel, the fall Portland edition will feature innovative textiles and footwear for the Autumn/Winter 2025 season alongside informative expert-led talks.

The fair is open – free of charge – to verified designers, product, purchasing or material managers looking to source fabrics and accessories for outdoor, sportive performance and lifestyle apparel. Don’t miss this chance to reconnect with the apparel community in person.

Posted: October 26, 2023

Source: Sympatex Technologies GmbH

MycoWorks’ Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Celebrates Its Next-Gen Material Fine Mycelium™ Production Facility In South Carolina

UNION, S.C. — October 25, 2023 — MycoWorks celebrated the opening and start of production at its first full-scale Fine Mycelium™ facility in Union, S.C., with a ribbon-cutting attended by South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, as well as other government officials, community leaders, brand partners, and supporters. The world-class manufacturing plant gives MycoWorks the capacity to scale-up to meet demand for their luxury leather-like material Reishi™. Produced with the company’s patented technology for partners including Hermès and Ligne Roset, MycoWorks’ new plant has already made a significant impact by spurring new investment in Union’s storefronts, housing, and employment portfolio.

Union, S.C. to Lead in U.S. Biomaterials Manufacturing

On Tuesday, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster joined MycoWorks Chief of Culture Sophia Wang, COO Doug Hardesty and CEO Matthew Scullin to celebrate the opening of the biomaterials company’s Fine Mycelium factory in Union, S.C with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Photo courtesy of MycoWorks.

Situated in the Upstate region’s thriving manufacturing corridor, local officials expressed excitement for MycoWorks’ new facility and are welcoming the opportunity for Union to bring this new industry to fruition. With MycoWorks’ technological advancements to the materials sector and its commitment to bringing competitive jobs to the region, the first-of-its-kind facility is positioning South Carolina to lead the biomaterials industry, reshoring luxury textile manufacturing to the United States. In celebration of this industry-first achievement, attendees had the opportunity to witness the factory’s cutting-edge technology and learn about the diverse applications of MycoWorks’ biomaterial Reishi™.

Built on-time and on-budget, the 136,000 sq. ft. factory is the world’s largest mycelium production operation. For the leather industry, MycoWorks’ Union facility is a breakthrough in supply chain management, providing full predictability, transparency, and provenance of high-quality natural materials while remaining efficient and low-impact. Marrying the latest technological advancements with old world craftsmanship, the team in Union will be creating a product of the highest standards and will be the first-movers in an industry on track to be world-changing.

“I was proud to join with MycoWorks to celebrate the grand opening of their new Union facility,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “It’s great to add a biomaterials manufacturer to South Carolina’s expanding range of products and services, and we look forward to the opportunities this investment will bring to students and technicians across the state.”

MycoWorks’ choice to open its first-commercial scale manufacturing plant in Union signals its long-term commitment to outreach, employment and education, going beyond standard manufacturing practice to build a supportive and empowering work-environment with rewarding benefits.

MycoWorks is actively recruiting from education and training networks in the state

With support from readySC at SC Technical College and EmployersNetwork, the biomaterials company has continued to recruit top-tier technician talent from the region. MycoWorks hopes to empower college and high school students to innovate through engineering and manufacturing with ongoing outreach to networks including USC Union, Spartanburg Community College,and Union County Schools. The biotech company’s team of operation and manufacturing leaders hail from the consumer goods, automotive, food, pharmaceutical, and biotechnology industries, and are excited to show a new generation of changemakers how creative materials science can be.

MycoWorks to bring high-quality jobs with competitive benefits

The biotech company was awarded a $30 million allocation of the federal government’s New Markets Tax Credits (NMTC), flagging the grant’s support to bring high-quality jobs to Union County. To date, MycoWorks has employed over 150 employees at the newly-opened facility, of which 90 percent are technicians being trained to manage the company’s proprietary technology, Fine Mycelium™.

At full capacity, the facility will employ nearly 400 people in its operations. Dedicated to the personal and financial growth of their employees, each new full-time hire at MycoWorks is granted incentive stock options through the company’s Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan. The grants vest over a four-year period and employees may begin purchasing their equity after one year of service, a new and welcome benefit to the South Carolina team at MycoWorks.

Local Support has Reshored American Textiles Back to the State
Fostered by the state’s economic incentives and strong support provided by South Carolina Department of Commerce and the Union County Development Board, MycoWorks chose Union’s tight-knit community for their eagerness to elevate the region’s global manufacturing profile and clean business portfolio. MycoWorks’ facility derives 98 percent of its power from nearby solar and hydroelectric plants provided by the renewable electric provider Lockhart Power.

“At MycoWorks we believe our success comes from the creativity and expertise of our team,” said Doug Hardesty, Chief Operating Officer. “Our outreach to the region is critical to our success.  Our partnerships with the Upstate educational ecosystem and the leadership in South Carolina will enable us to bring continued training and high quality jobs.”

Tuesday’s ribbon-cutting celebration enabled MycoWorks supporters and community stakeholders from across government, business and education to celebrate the grand achievement towards growing the future of materials in Union County, S.C.

As a token of appreciation to the community, MycoWorks has made a donation to the Junior League Charity, a women’s leadership organization supporting community impact initiatives.

To learn more about employment opportunities at MycoWorks, visit https://www.mycoworks.com/careers

Posted:October 25, 2023

Source: MycoWorks

Milliken Invests In Sustainable Carpet Maintenance Company

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — October 25, 2023 — Global diversified manufacturer Milliken & Company has invested in Orak, a Paris-based carpet maintenance and flooring reuse company, as a strategic sustainability enabler for its floor covering business. The relationship marks the beginning of a new generation of sustainable floor covering solutions, and it is set to change the way the industry thinks about waste and its approach to the circular economy.

Milliken invests in a Paris-based carpet maintenance and flooring reuse company, Orak.

Orak’s Optimal Karpet line of upcycled premium carpet tile has quickly become the leading solution for carpet customers seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of their construction and renovation projects. With Milliken’s investment and partnership, Orak will improve and expand its product offerings to a broader range of customers by managing all the stages in the life of clients’ carpets to guarantee excellent quality reuse. As Orak’s exclusive industry partner, Milliken’s customers will receive access to Orak’s inventory of upcycled carpet tile, all of which aligns with Milliken’s N/XT Life™ circularity program.

As one of the first 50 companies in the world to set net-zero targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), Milliken has a proud record of providing its customers with sustainable products and solutions. Halsey Cook, president and CEO of Milliken & Company, states: “Orak shares our commitment to providing innovative, effective, and sustainable solutions to our customers. At Milliken, we understand the significance of prioritizing sustainability in all our operations. This partnership with Orak is just one of the many ways we are collaborating with key partners to create a positive impact for humankind.”

“We are honoured to join with Milliken in this next phase of our business development,” adds Nicolas Lohéac, founder and CEO of Orak. “Milliken shares our vision and desire to reshape the future of our industry and create a new generation of sustainable floor covering solutions.”

“Our team is committed to advancing sustainability and accelerating the circularity conversation within our industry, which is why we are excited to support Orak,” concludes Patrick Keese, president of Milliken’s Floor Covering Business. “Together, we will bring customers efficient, cost-effective and, most importantly, impactful flooring solutions that fulfill carefully crafted design specifications.”

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: Milliken & Company

New Datatex Offices In Coimbatore And Lahore

ZUG, Switzerland — October 25, 2023 — Datatex, a global supplier of IT solutions for the textile industry, is strengthening its presence in the Indian and Pakistani markets.

Present in India since the early 2000s with a network of partners and resellers, Datatex landed directly in the country in 2017 with the opening of the large Bangalore office, which now employs more than sixty people. Datatex’s expansion on the Indian market continues today – in October 2023 – with the opening of a new office in the city of Coimbatore, which will report directly to the Indian headquarters in Bangalore and will help to better serve the growing number of Indian textile industries that have chosen the NOW ERP by Datatex solution to manage their IT system.

In Pakistan, Datatex, already present in the country through partner companies, now lands directly with the opening of a new office in the city of Lahore, with a dedicated team that will be able to closely follow Pakistani textile companies, offering solutions and technical support for digitization and innovative IT management of production processes.

Textile fashion is now the largest segment of Pakistan’s manufacturing sector, employing more than 15 million people and accounting for 70 percent of exports.

India is now one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of textiles and is already the fourth largest exporter of textiles in the world (after China, Bangladesh and Vietnam). India’s textile sector currently employs more than 45 million people and is strongly supported by the government, which has announced the construction of seven new textile industrial mega-parks (PM-MITRA) in 2023, the allocation of nearly 500 million euros in the 2023-2024 budget (22.6 percent more than last year), and the launch of a development program (SAMARTH) to train more than one million new workers for the sector over the next three years. It is estimated that India’s textile production will reach a GDP of $250 billion and exports of $100 billion by 2025.

Datatex now has a global presence with offices in the USA, China, India, Pakistan, Turkey, Italy, Israel, Switzerland, Serbia and Germany.

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: Datatex Ag

Revolutionizing Textile Pre-Treatment And Bleaching: Introducing The Hydra Machine

BARCELONA — October 25, 2023 — In a revolutionary leap for textile manufacturers, TVE ESCALE thrilled to introduce the state-of-the-art Hydra Machine, a groundbreaking solution designed to transform the pre-treatment and bleaching processes for woven fabrics.

Traditionally, textile pre-treatment and bleaching have relied on continuous lines, but the Hydra Machine has redefined the landscape. This patented semi-continuous process machine is meticulously engineered to deliver extraordinary results, with a specific focus on:

  • Efficient Pre-Treatment: The Hydra Machine streamlines the pre-treatment process for woven fabrics. It’s capable of autonomously and automatically executing various techniques to achieve optimal results, all while minimizing resource consumption.
  • Superior Bleaching: With unparalleled precision, Hydra ensures that the bleaching process meets the highest industry standards, resulting in fabrics that are not only brilliantly white but also eco-friendly.
  • Water and Energy Savings: The Hydra Machine is a game-changer in resource conservation. It slashes water usage by up to 50%, a reduction of steam consumption by up to 35% and the electricity consumption is reduced by more than 30% in comparison to the continuous lines, setting new industry standards for sustainability.
  • Cost-Efficiency: While traditional continuous lines may boast higher production volumes, they often come with significantly higher costs. In stark contrast, Hydra offers remarkable cost savings, with machinery and infrastructure expenses reduced by over three times.
  • Scalability: For high-volume manufacturers, the Hydra Machine is fully scalable. Manufacturers can easily expand their production capacity by adding more units, ensuring a seamless and efficient workflow.

An astonishing fact is that the total water consumption for desizing, scouring, and bleaching is reduced to a mere 5-6 liters per kilogram with the Hydra process.

TVE ESCALE believes that Hydra sets the new industry standard for pre-treatment and bleaching of woven fabrics. By adopting this state-of-the-art technology, manufacturers can unlock enhanced production efficiency, reduced costs, and minimal environmental impact; all while achieving extraordinary results in pre-treatment and bleaching processes

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: TVE ESCALE

Serge Ferrari Group Launches Custom Anniversary Color At Advanced Textiles Expo

DEERFIELD BEACH, Fla. — October 25, 2023 — Serge Ferrari Group, a designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative composite fabrics, is proud to officially launch a new custom anniversary color for its best-selling exterior solar protection fabric at the Advanced Textiles Expo on Nov. 1-3, 2023, in Orlando, Florida. To celebrate 25 years of Soltis Proof 502, Serge Ferrari Group is presenting this industry-leading waterproof membrane fabric in Revival Blue. Attendees are invited to visit booth #917 to learn more about the Soltis Proof line and other exterior solar protection materials from Serge Ferrari Group.

Soltis Proof 502 is a waterproof, durable, lightweight, and easy-to-clean fabric that delivers superior flexibility and strength to allow creative freedom of shape and size for various outdoor applications. This cutting-edge fabric is ideal for awnings, pergolas, shade sails, light structures, and fixed shading systems.

“Serge Ferrari Group now proudly offers Soltis Proof 502 in Revival Blue, addressing the current urban renewal trends and the resurgence of textile innovation within the awning industry,” said Jeff Dellinger, Business Development Manager, Marine, Solar & Distribution, Serge Ferrari North America. “In an ever-evolving urban landscape, we recognize that urban design keeps pace with our evolving human needs. Revival Blue serves as a symbol of our cities’ ongoing evolution and their ability to adapt to changing times.”

In addition to Revival Blue, the Soltis Proof 502 range is available in 40 other colors, which offer a unique, satin finish and a modern, high-end look suited for commercial and residential applications. Serge Ferrari Group’s patented Précontraint technology guarantees exceptional durability and dimensional stability for Soltis Proof 502. This technology prevents tearing or stretching, while the company’s meticulous pigment selection and thicker yarn crest coating outperform competing products. Proven through rigorous testing, this membrane fabric provides year-round comfort against heat and the elements, offering 100% UV ray protection (UPF 50+). Soltis Proof 502 is GREENGUARD Gold certified and comes with a 10-year warranty. For more information about Soltis Proof 502, please visit www.sergeferrarigroup.com/us.

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: Serge Ferrari Group

Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center Receives $1.2M In Equipment Donations

DALLAS, N.C. — October 25, 2023 — The Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center, a world-class facility focused on the future of the textile industry, has received a $1.2 million equipment donation from Truetzschler, a German textile machinery manufacturer, building upon its anticipated opening next year.

“Truetzschler is excited to be a part of the new state-of-the-art Fiber Innovation Center at Gaston College and proud to show our commitment to the textile industry for the future,” said Greg Duncan, VP of Sales, Spinning at Truetzschler.

The donated equipment features technology that is focused on circularity and reducing the carbon footprint of fiber and textile production. Once finished, the facility in Belmont, North Carolina, will be the only facility in the world where scientists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders can take a fiber idea and convert it to a textile product under one roof. Features of the innovation center include a new polymer development lab, a fiber extrusion line, and yarn preparation capabilities thanks to the Truetzschler donation.

“Thanks in part to our longtime partnership with Truetzschler, the Fiber Innovation Center will help revolutionize the textile industry as we know it,” said Stephen Sharp, VP of Fiber Innovation at Gaston College. “The current process for developing innovative textile solutions is expensive, timely, and highly fragmented. With this center, and through Truetzschler’s gracious donation, textile innovation can occur from conception to completion, all here at Gaston College.”

For over 75 years, Gaston College’s Textile Technology Center has provided technical assistance and support to the textile industry in North Carolina and around the world. While the industry has evolved, the Center has remained committed to helping companies and entrepreneurs meet new and emerging needs for developing and testing advanced fibers and fabrics.

The Textile Technology Center and Fiber Innovation Center allow students to get hands-on experience with the latest technology and equipment used in research and development, testing, and production processes for the textile industry.

Just last year, Gaston College, along with the U.S. Department of State, North Carolina State University, and Catawba Valley Community College, announced a partnership with Honduran-based Central American Technological University. Through this partnership, Gaston College is providing space to educate and train thousands of students for the next generation textile workforce to meet the rising demands of nearshoring and onshoring in Honduras, Central America, and the United States.

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: Gaston College Fiber Innovation Center

Asahi Kasei Invests In US Startup NFW — Cooperation To Deliver Scale In The Field Of Non-Petroleum-Based, Fully Circular Leather Alternatives For Automotive Interiors

Discover MIRUM® Touch

DÜSSELDORF, NEW YORK And TOKYO — October 25, 2023 — Asahi Kasei has decided to invest in US-based startup NFW, a producer of non-petroleum-based leather alternative for car interiors. As part of Asahi Kasei’s medium-term growth strategy and in close cooperation with Sage Automotive Interiors, Inc. (Sage), an Asahi Kasei company and a leading global provider of innovative and functional materials for the automotive interior, this strategic partnership enables another major step to support global automotive OEMs in reducing the environmental burden of automobiles.

Based in Peoria, Illinois, NFW was founded in 2015 and has developed the only platform capable of producing precision-engineered, natural (non-petroleum-based) leather, foam, and textiles to replace animal and petrochemical-based materials. Certified by the United States Department of Agriculture as having 100% biobased content, MIRUM®, the company’s patented leather alternative, is made from natural rubber, natural fibers, plant oils, natural pigments, and minerals. The material offers superior durability and quality that can replace traditional animal-based or synthetic leather products without the use of any polyurethane or other coatings.

NFW MIRUM® Multi Drape

Sage is engaged in developing, manufacturing, and selling innovative functional materials used in automobile interiors globally. Since its acquisition by Asahi Kasei in 2018, Sage has strengthened its business activities in Europe and China through mergers and acquisitions in parallel to expanding its lineup of growth-potential materials such as suede and synthetic leather. As one of the leading global suppliers in the car seat fabric market, Sage has a strong presence among automakers and suppliers.

Dirk Pieper, Chairman of the Sage Board of Directors and Lead Executive for the development and growth of Asahi Kasei’s overall automotive product offering, stated, “The cooperation with NFW will enable Asahi Kasei and Sage to assist global automakers in reducing the environmental burden of their cars. By jointly developing and manufacturing a non-petroleum-based and fully circular leather alternative, the Asahi Kasei Group takes a leading position in revolutionizing the market for car interior materials.”

First project within the “Care for Earth” investment framework

The cooperation with NFW is the first project within Asahi Kasei’s “Care for Earth” investment framework, announced in April 2023. Asahi Kasei allocated up to $100 million for investments worldwide in early-stage startups that aim to solve issues in environmental fields such as hydrogen, energy storage, carbon management, and bio-based chemicals over the 5-year period up to fiscal 2027. As described in its April 2022 medium-term management plan, the car interior material business is one of Asahi Kasei’s “10 Growth Gears” (GG10)—businesses that are to drive future growth, targeting more than 70% of operating income around 2030.

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: Asahi Kasei Corporation

WACKER Presents Hydrophilic Silicone Active For Household Fabric Softeners

MUNICH, Germany — October 25, 2023 — At the 70th SEPAWA Congress in Berlin, Germany, WACKER is unveiling its new LIOSIL®
FC 3300 E silicone emulsion to a broad technical audience. The product was developed as a highly efficient additive in house- hold fabric softener formulations. Its active silicone ingredient strengthens the product’s softening effect and makes clothing absorbent and easy to iron. This year’s SEPAWA Congress will take place October 25 – 27.

WACKER presents its new LIOSIL® FC 3300 E silicone emulsion at the SEPAWA Congress. The product was developed as a highly efficient addi- tive in household fabric softener formulations. Its silicone active ingredient makes clothes soft, absorbent and easier to iron. Photo: WACKER

LIOSIL® FC 3300 E, an emulsion containing a high concentration of actives, complements the chemical group’s portfolio of silicone products designed for fabric softener production. LIOSIL® FC 3300 E is an odor- and colorless opaque product that is very easy to work with. It simply needs to be stirred into the formulation at the end of the fabric softener manufacturing process. One outstanding feature of the new emulsion is that it combines multiple properties of the existing product line.

The active ingredient of the new emulsion is an aminofunctional silicone polymer to which polyether groups have been added to make it hydrophilic, i.e., to give it an affinity to water. It follows that fabric softeners formulated with LIOSIL® FC 3300 E improve the wetting properties of the fibers and allow the fabric to absorb more water. As a result, fabric softeners like these can also be used in applications where rapid moisture absorption by the fabric is espe- cially important. Like classic silicone actives, the LIOSIL® FC 3300 E silicone polymer also reduces friction, lending textiles an extraordi- nary soft hand and making clothing easier to iron.

All three effects – the typical soft hand of silicones, easy ironing and absorbency – play out on cotton and synthetic fibers alike. LIOSIL® FC 3300 E avoids the pitfall of many commercially available fabric softeners, i.e., that they make fabric hydrophobic, causing laundry to repel water. Instead, it allows cotton to retain its absorbency, while making synthetics absorbent as well. This means that LIOSIL®

FC 3300 E opens the door to a new generation of fabric softeners that can be specifically tailored to consumer preferences.

WACKER will be doing more than simply exhibiting at this year’s SEPAWA Congress. On Friday, October 27, silicone experts Christof Brehm and Peter Horvath will hold a talk on fluorine-free impregna- tion, in which they demonstrate that the effect of impregnation with silicones rivals that of products containing fluorine-based ingredients (Forum for Innovation – Home Care, room 12 + 13, 9:30 – 9:45 a.m., “Silicones leave no one out in the rain – fluorine-free impregnation, Part II”).

Visit WACKER at the 70th SEPAWA Congress, booth C492-493.

Posted: October 25, 2023

Source: WACKER

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