Archroma launches eco-friendly water repellent for apparel

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals for sustainable solutions, has unveiled a new eco-friendly durable water repellent (DWR) finish aimed at helping textile mills and brands create apparel that is both soft and environmentally friendly, while offering effective rain and stain protection.

Named PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ, this innovative DWR finish is formulated to provide excellent water repellency across various types of fibers, ensuring a soft and comfortable feel without undesirable effects like yellowing or chalk marking. It works particularly well on synthetic fibers and blends, making it suitable for a wide range of applications including apparel, outdoor wear, and home textiles.

The DWR finish is composed of 50% renewable carbon content, based on ASTM D6866, and is free from harmful substances like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and formaldehyde. It is also crosslinker-free, offering flexibility in usage. Additionally, PHOBOTEX® NTR-50 LIQ can be combined with a crosslinker like ARKOPHOB® NTR-40 to enhance wash and/or dry-cleaning resistance.

Georg Lang, Market Segment Director Finishing at Archroma Textile Effects, said, “Archroma is dedicated to leading the fashion and textile industry to a more sustainable future through a focus on ‘Planet Conscious’ innovation. With our new PHOBOTEX^® NTR-50 LIQ, we have used renewable feedstock to create a best-in-class DWR that is both cost-efficient and delivers a softer hand feel than comparable products. This makes it possible for brands to offer consumers the excellent rain, splash and stain protection they expect, but in fabrics that are more comfortable to wear as well as less likely to tear.”