GTT launches a PFAS-free water repellent finish

Green Theme Technologies (GTT), the creators of the EMPEL textile finishing platform, have developed a cleaner and more durable water repellent technology that outperforms current solutions containing harmful PFAS chemicals. EMPEL offers a PFAS-free and waterless alternative, making it a superior choice for both the environment and consumer brands.

In recent testing by The Haartz Corporation, textiles treated with EMPEL’s water repellent technology showed remarkable performance. These fabrics absorbed only about ⅓ the amount of water compared to the best water repellents in the market that use Cø and C6. Notably, EMPEL prevented water from passing through the fabrics without the need for a membrane. During a ten-minute rain test, only 2mL of water passed through EMPEL-treated fabrics, while the competition allowed 325mL to pass through.

Martin Flora, VP of Business Development for GTT, highlighted the revolutionary potential of EMPEL. The technology changes what consumers can expect from their clothing, offering protection from the elements without relying on hot and stiff rain jackets with membranes. EMPEL keeps the fabric dry on the surface and water on the outside, enhancing the durability of clothing and gear even after 50+ washes.

The Haartz Corporation, a global leader in engineered textile materials, conducted thorough testing to validate EMPEL’s performance. Their expertise in research and development, along with their ability to commercialize new products, confirmed the effectiveness of EMPEL without the use of harmful chemicals or excess water. Haartz has already begun implementing EMPEL in various applications, further exploring its potential.

Matt Williams, VP at Haartz, confirmed the exceptional performance of EMPEL, emphasizing its ability to deliver superior results without relying on harmful forever chemicals or excessive water. The implementation of EMPEL’s technology marks a significant advancement in sustainable and effective textile finishing.